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

We're back in Crown Court for the trial of Jerome, accused of robbing five women and raping one. The complainants are 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 how courtroom practice and jury decision-making are portrayed in the mainstream, public narrative about rape in the criminal process.

**Listener discretion is advised**

The broader research underpinning this season of Criminal Justice in Action is reported in our book, Doak et al, Cross-examination on Trial: Advocacy and Vulnerability in Criminal Trials (BUP 2025).  The book examines cross-examination across the UK and Ireland drawing on trial observations, practitioner interviews, and a linguistic analysis of courtroom exchanges in light of recent reforms.

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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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