Yesterday, the Supreme Court of Canada released R. v. R.V., 2019 SCC 41. This was yet another important decision concerning the scope and application of our ‘rape shield’ laws – the third such decision in just over two months. The majority decision again emphasizes that judges, crowns, and defence counsel must approach the admission of evidence of a complainant’s sexual history with great care.
LEAF welcomes the SCC’s recognition that sexual assault trials raise unique challenges both in guarding against the intrusion of inappropriate stereotypes and myths that undermine a trial’s integrity and in striking the appropriate balance between the societal interests of the complainant and the accused.
LEAF will continue to fight for the equality, privacy and security rights of complainants, as we have done for over thirty years. We welcome your support of these efforts.
Please join us in advocating for women and girls by donating today.
