26. Reece's Trial part 1
Possession of a bladed article in a public place
Another Crown Court, another defendant on trial for a non-sexual offence. And yet, the prosecution tell us, the central issue in the case is whose account of events we believe: the prosecution's key witness? Or the defendant?
Rape on Trial is a fly-on-the-wall style documentary podcast giving listeners a unique and detailed insight into the real life workings of the criminal process in England and Wales. Through a series of in-depth case studies drawing on case files and real (but anonymised) trial observations, we see for ourselves how the criminal justice system really works in cases of rape and serious sexual offences--and how it doesn't.
Topics covered in this episode: opening speeches; defence case statements; trial strategy around (unhelpful) witness; optimising the defendant's good character; bad character of a non-defendant witness; disputed failure to mention; robust cross examination; adequacy of the police investigation.
The research behind Rape on Trial also features in our book: Doak et al, Cross-examination on Trial: Advocacy and Vulnerability in Criminal Trials (BUP 2025).
This is an Amazon affiliate link which pays me a small commission.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, please visit our website https://criminaljusticeinaction.com for information about help and support.
Music: Hopeless Waltz by Alena Smirnova.
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