NCJ Number
176515
Date Published
Unknown
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet is intended to help rape victims understand the reasoning behind the official procedures that follow the reporting of the crime, in order to reduce their trauma to some degree.
Abstract
The first section of the pamphlet presents a statement of California rape law. The legal elements of rape are discussed under the topics of forcible rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, spousal rape, and an act of violence. Punishment under the law for the perpetrator is also noted. Other adult sex crimes defined in California law are sodomy, oral copulation, and object rape. A section on law enforcement procedures covers initial assistance, the interview with the investigator, the importance of corroborative evidence, and evidence collection. A separate section explains aspects of the medicolegal examination of the victim. Aspects of court and district-attorney procedures are described in the pamphlet's fourth section; topics addressed include the decision to charge the defendant, charging the defendant, arraignment, pretrial motions, pretrial conference, bail, protective orders, defense discovery, the psychiatric examination of the victim, the victim's prior sexual history, contacts by the defense attorney, and the preliminary examination. The grand jury, superior court arraignment, pretrial preparation, and the trial are also explained. Other sections of the pamphlet focus on information regarding appearance as a witness, sentencing, services for needy victims of violent crimes, and rape prevention measures. Glossary of terms and sample court forms