EHRC webinar to discuss use and impact of sexual history evidence in Scottish criminal trials

The webinar follows on from the commission’s review of legislation, case law and research on the operation of ‘rape shield’ provisions in Scotland.

The review, undertaken by Professor Sharon Cowan of Edinburgh University School of Law, sought to better understand how the use of sexual history evidence and personal information affects complainers’ access to justice.

Amongst other things, the Commission found evidence of a potential ‘justice gap’ in Scotland and identified concerns about how effective the rape shield provisions are in practice. The full report from this review was published last month and is available here.

Speakers at this free panel-discussion event include Professor Cowan; Dorothy Bain QC; and Sandy Brindley (chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland).

Further details and registration information are available on the Eventbrite page.