Rape on Trial is a fly-on-wall documentary-style podcast for listeners interested in the real-life workings of the criminal process, criminal law and proceedings. Through a series of in-depth case-studies drawing on case files and trial proceedings, we can see for ourselves how the criminal justice system works in rape and serious sex offence cases, and how it doesn't.

This episode sees us back in court for the second part of Kevin's trial. Kevin stands accused of indecent assault on a male, Paul, who was a child at the material time. We're here not only to watch proceedings but to ask whether cases involving male complainants and/or child complainants are 'different', like the mainstream rape research and commentary tells us they are. And, if they are, whether they nevertheless shed valuable light on criminal proceedings in rape and serious sex offences.

Key topics and procedural elements covered in this episode: cross-examination of the complainant; adducing (agreed) evidence of previous consistent statements and first/recent complaint under s120 Criminal Justice Act 2003; inconsistencies in the complainant's evidence arising from same.

Although put together with the general listener firmly in mind, Rape on Trial a must listen for those practicing or 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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