Sexual Offences - general Flashcards
list the 2 main forms of sexual violation
- rape
- unlawful sexual connection
discuss the penalty provisions for sexual violation as set out in s128B of the crimes act 1961
- s128B outlines that the punishment for sexual violation is imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years, and imprisonment should always be imposed on conviction unless there are special circumstances that justify a departure from the rule
define genitalia
Genitalia includes surgically constructed or reconstructed organ analogous to naturally occurring male or female genitalia (whether person concerned is male, female or of indeterminate sex)
in negating consent the Crown has to prove one of three things, what are the three things
In proving consent was not present in a sexual violation the crown must prove that:
- the victim did not consent
- the victims consent was not valid
- the accused did not believe on reasonable grounds that the victim was consenting
discuss the 2 elements that need to be proved in a charge of assault with intent to commit sexual violation, section 129 of crimes act 1961
the 2 elements that need to be proved in an attempt to commit sexual violation are that the offender
- assaulted the victim
- intended to commit sexual violation
define consent
consent is a conscious and voluntary agreement to something desired or proposed by someone else
define sexual connection
(a) a connection effected by the introduction into the genitalia or anus of a person otherwise than for genuine medical purposes
- a part of the body of another person
- an object held or manipulated by another person
(b) a connection between the mouth or tongue of one person and a part of another persons genitalia or anus
(c) the continuation of connection of a kind described in paragraphs (a) or (b)
discuss the statutory defence s134A - sexual conduct with a young person under 16 years
the statutory defence under s134A applies when
- the person charged can show they took reasonable steps to establish the young person was aged 16 or over, and
- the person charged believed on reasonable grounds that the young person was aged 16 or over, and
- the young person consented to that connection
define sexual conduct with a child under 12
sexual conduct with a child under 12 is
- sexual connection with a child
- attempted sexual connection with a child, and
- does an indecent act on a child
discuss whether a 16 year old girl can be charged with having consensual sex with a 14 year old boy
yes the girl can be charged as it is the offence of sexual conduct with a young person under 16 years (s134 of crimes act 1961)
define indecent act
an indecent act is generally accepted as an act accompanied by circumstances of indecency
indecent acts are usually consensual acts, in age specific sexual offences doing an indecent act with a child or young person can also include indecently assaulting that child or young person
list 3 grounds on which a direction can be made under s103(3) of the Evidence Act 2006 in regards to a witness giving evidence in an alternative way
s103(3) of evidence act 2006
a direction can be made under s103(3) for a witness to give evidence in an alternative way, may be made on the grounds of
a) age or maturity of the witness
b) physical, intellectual, psychological or psychiatric impairment of the witness
c) trauma suffered by witness
d) witnesses fear of intimidation
e) the linguistic, cultural or religious background of the witness
f) nature of the proceeding
g) nature of the evidence required to be given
h) relationship of the witness to any party to the proceeding
i) the absence or likely absence of the witness from NZ
j) any ground likely to promote the purpose of the Act
discuss the requirement under regulation 28 of the Evidence Regulations 2007
Prosecutor is to give a transcript to Defence before preliminary hearing or defended summary hearing
1) prosecutor must ensure a typed transcript of a working copy is given to the defendant or defendants lawyer
a) if there is to be a preliminary hearing, at least 7 days before the date on which a video record is given in evidence at a preliminary hearing
b) if the defendant is to be tried summarily, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the defendant has pleaded not guilty
2) the typed transcript is to be prepared by the police
3) the Court may adjourn the hearing to allow further time for the defendant to consider the transcript if satisfied that sub clause (1) has not been complied with
list 3 ways under s105 that a witness may give evidence
1) while in the courtroom but unable to see the defendant or some other specified person
2) from an appropriate place outside the courtroom, either in NZ or elsewhere (CCTV) or
3) by video recording made before the hearing of the proceeding
it is important to preserve trace evidence in sexual assault cases. List 4 things that victims should refrain from (where possible) before a medical examination
1) no eating or drinking
2) no going to the toilet (if necessary use toxicology kit to capture urine and ask female victim not to wipe)
3) no washing or showering
4) no washing hands or biting fingernails