27. Reece's Trial part 2
A bin man and a knife
The second and final part of Reece's trial for possession of a bladed article in a public place, contrary to s139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.
Another case described as being simply a question of who you believe. And another wholly unsurprising verdict.
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: cross examination of the defendant; evidence of a non-defendant witness's bad character; what happens when a defendant's failure to mention is disputed; reverse burdens and reverse onus clauses in criminal offences; closing speeches; judge's directions; the decision to prosecute; credibility and inconsistencies.
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).
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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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