Sally had consensual sexual intercourse with Sam, her boyfriend. A few days later, he drugged and raped her. A few days after the rape, they had consensual sex again. Sally then reported the rape to the police. Which incident of sexual intercourse is admissible, according to rape shield laws?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rape shield laws are designed to protect the victim's privacy and limit the ability of the defense to introduce evidence of the victim's past sexual behavior. The only incident relevant and admissible under these laws is the rape itself, as it directly pertains to the crime being reported. The other instances of consensual sex are generally considered irrelevant to the case of rape and are protected under these laws to avoid victim shaming and irrelevant character judgments.

Sally Had Consensual Sexual Intercourse with Sam, Her Boyfriend