CHARACTER EVIDENCE, WHILE PURPORTING TO PROTECT AN ACCUSED, IS ACTUALLY A RUSE WHEREBY A JURY'S ATTENTION IS DIVERTED FROM THE PARTICULARS OF A DEFENDANT'S ACTIONS AT THE TIME OF AN ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT TO THE COMPLAINANT'S PAST LIFE AND CONDUCT. PSYCHIATRIC EVIDENCE DISCLOSES THOSE FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE CREDIBILITY OF WHAT A COMPLAINANT SAYS. IT IS FOCUSED ON AND ADDRESSED TO THE REASONS FOR AND FOUNDATIONS OF A COMPLAINANT'S ACCUSATION AND PRESENT CONDUCT WHEREAS CHARACTER EVIDENCE IS CONCERNED WITH A COMPLAINANT'S PAST CONDUCT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)