As Rape on Trial continues, we're back in the public gallery of the Crown Court for Dean’s trial. He is charged with numerous counts of violence against the person offences relating to two previous partners, Erica and Anya. He also stands accused of a single charge of rape and one of sexual assault perpetrated against Anya, his partner at the time.

As in previous episodes, Dean’s trial involves another rape case the mainstream narrative tells us shouldn’t succeed: an allegation of intimate partner relationship rape with no forensic evidence, no CCTV, and no eyewitnesses.

Topics and key elements covered in this episode: pre-trial change of plea; judge's opening directions; prosecuting counsel's opening speech; application to adduce evidence of the defendant's bad character under s101 Criminal Justice Act 2003; the use of special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses; rape complainant's evidence-in-chief (ABE video); IT difficulties, belligerent defendants, and the implications for witnesses.

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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