We’re repeatedly told that juries only convict in “real rape” cases with “ideal victims.” Episode 3 of Rape on Trial continues to challenges those assumptions.

We're back in Crown Court for the trial of Jerome who stands accused of robbing five women and raping one. The complainants are all sex workers, and the conduct of the trial—and its outcome—raise important questions about the prominence and impact of rape myths and gender stereotypes in rape trials, and about how counsel and trial judges' courtroom practice and jury decision-making are portrayed in the mainstream and very public discourse about rape in the criminal process.

Topics and key elements covered in this episode: the prosecution's opening speech; eyewitness identification evidence and the Turnbull direction; changes to the defence case; complainants' evidence-in-chief; special measures--complainant ABE video and use of screens; cross-examination of rape complainant (verbatim); cross-examination of robbery complainants; evidence of recent complaint.

A must listen for those studying criminal law, criminal evidence and procedure, advocacy and trial strategy, criminal justice, and criminology as well as those interested in forensic linguistics and forensic psychology.

As a detailed and comprehensive account of real court proceedings in a criminal trial in an adversarial, common law legal system, this is also an excellent resource for international students learning Legal English, the Language of Law, and comparative law.

Legal English Learning Practice

Legal English Comprehension Practice

Legal English Vocabulary

Applied Legal English

Legal English in the courtroom

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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