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Submissions to the Minister of Justice on the Rape Study - An Analysis

NCJ Number
91369
Author(s)
J Petterson
Date Published
1983
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the responses of various organizations and individuals to New Zealand's rape study, with attention to police processing of complaints, victim support services, the substantive law, and the trial process.
Abstract
After releasing volume 1 of the rape study in March 1983, the Minister of Justice called for responses to it. A total of 111 responses were received from individuals and a wide range of organizations. Although the views expressed in the responses were diverse, on most issues there was a clear majority view if not a consensus. There is general agreement that existing police and criminal justice system procedures for dealing with rape cases can create unnecessary distress for the rape victim. All but a few responses favor some change in the substantive law. There was some criticism of the study for not having dealt with certain issues in depth, such as the causes of rape, but most respondents commended the study for its victim-centered approach. The majority favored abolition of the present spousal immunity from a rape charge. Proposals for change ranged from relatively simple reforms in administrative procedure to wholesale changes in the law and the criminal justice system. A list of respondents is included. For related material, see NCJ-90453 and NCJ-90477.