Sexual Assault Trials Handbook

Sexual assault proceedings are a difficult and sometimes controversial part of the work of judicial officers. In recent years, there have been significant case law and legislative developments which have had an impact on the trial process.

The Sexual Assault Trials Handbook is designed to provide a practical and academic reference point for judicial officers dealing with sexual offence proceedings. It will also have relevance for legal practitioners working in criminal law and law students.

A particular focus of sexual assault cases in the District Court is the need for these cases to be heard as quickly as possible and with appropriate consideration being given to the needs of both the complainant and the accused. The Handbook aims to assist judicial officers in this endeavour by ensuring that they are provided with all the relevant legislation and decisions of the Court of Criminal Appeal in one convenient volume. The Handbook provides offence tables, recent sexual assault cases and legislation, relevant legal and non-legal resource materials regarding sexual assault and other resources and District Court Criminal Practice Notes relevant to sexual assault proceedings. Substantive material is accessed via links.

The Handbook does not cover substantive evidentiary issues which arise in all types of criminal trials, such as character and hearsay evidence, nor include jury directions. These are dealt with in the Criminal Trial Courts Bench Book.