Medical Evidence in Rape Cases: A Continuing Problem for Criminal Justice
Forensic medical evidence obtained by examination of the victim is of crucial importance in the investigation and trial of rape offences. The outcome of a prosecution is likely to depend on it. In the 1970s, one aspect of the concern which began to be expressed in this country about the handling of rape cases by the criminal justice system, was the manner in which forensic medical examinations were conducted.' Measures intended to improve the situation were introduced in the 1980s but there has been very little research to confirm how succesful they have been. The purpose of this article is, first, to consider the present arrangements for providing such examinations for rape victims in two different police areas viz, the Metropolitan Police District and Sussex2 and secondly, to examine and evaluate the practice and attitudes of a sample of doctors who conduct these examinations in each area.