A rape victim’s sexual history could no longer be used as evidence in court under new plans to minimise the effects of myths and misconceptions about rape on the trial process.
A new consultation paper by the Law Commission set out proposals for reforming the way that evidence is used in sexual offences prosecutions.
The Law Commission is an independent body that makes recommendations to the government to reform the law in England and Wales.
Given the decline in conviction rates since 2016, the government requested an examination of sexual offences prosecutions.
As a result, the commission proposed reforms that would counter the effects of rape myths, improve the treatment of complainants, and ensure that defendants receive a fair trial….