"SANE Nurse" Testimony Undermined in VA Rape Trials

The Washington Post is reporting that the testimony of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) can no longer be considered scientific evidence in rape trials in Fairfax County, VA. These nurses examine the victim immediately after an alleged rape and can supposedly tell whether sex was consentual or not. One defense attortney quoted in the article said: "It turns out our SANE nurses here have taken their conclusions far beyond what the research says." A deputy's attorney also noted, "when consent is the ultimate issue, experts shouldn't be allowed to testify either way...It's for the jury to decide." I'm inclined to agree. Source: The Washington Post



Title: When Rape Is in Question, So Are Nurses' Answers



Author: Tom Jackman



Date: April 2, 2001

NOTICE: This story was migrated from the old software that used to run Mensactivism.org. Unfortunately, user comments did not get included in the migration. However, you may view a copy of the original story, with comments, at the following link:

http://news.mensactivism.org/articles/01/04/13/0314240.shtml

Like0 Dislike0