NCJ Number
218377
Date Published
1998
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video provides information to prosecutors, police officers, and forensic scientists that is the key to the development of successful cases that involve drug-facilitated rape.
Abstract
U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno first provides background information on the nature of drug-facilitated rapes and why such cases are difficult to prosecute due to the difficulty of obtaining direct evidence and the victim's drug-induced memory lapses regarding the rape and associated events. This is followed by an overview of the types of drugs, including Rohypnol and GHB that are used to facilitate a rape in which the victim is incapacitated by the drug. For each type of drug mentioned, its effects are listed. Laws pertinent to the sale and use of these drugs are also briefly mentioned. The remainder of the video pertains to the collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence in a case of drug-facilitated rapes. A police officer experienced in the investigation of such cases discusses questions to ask the victim, information that might be provided by various witnesses, items to include in a search warrant, potential sources of evidence, evidence of victim's nonconsent to the attack, and evidence related to the suspect's access to a drug that may have been used in the rape. A forensic scientist discusses the procedures and parameters for a drug screen designed to detect specific drugs in the victim's system and the types of forensic scientists whose work should be included in expert testimony at trial. A prosecutor experienced in drug-facilitated rape cases provides information on interactions with the victim, possible charges in the case, the role of expert testimony, pretrial motions, evidence that should be presented, issues in jury selection, pretrial motions, likely defense tactics, and closing arguments.