It’s the only way Tory Bowen knows to honestly describe what happened to her.The article doesn't explain enough of the judge's thinking, but I suspect he doesn't like her using a legal term, "rape," rather than just describing what happened. It would be like me testifying about my house being burned down and calling it arson. The judge thinks this could prejudice the jurors. But, the article notes, the judge has no problem with the accused rapist claiming that the sex was consensual, so why require the woman to put a nicer spin on her side of the story? Shouldn't the defendant and the victim each be permitted to tell their story unencumbered?
She was raped.
But a judge prohibited her from uttering the word “rape” in front of a jury. The term “sexual assault” also was taboo, and Bowen could not refer to herself as a victim or use the word “assailant” to describe the man who allegedly raped her.
The defendant’s presumption of innocence and right to a fair trial trumps Bowen’s right of free speech, said the Lincoln, Neb., judge who issued the order.
Elections | Economic Crisis | Jobs | TSA | Limbaugh | Fun Stuff

Judge orders woman not to use the word 'rape' during her rape trial
blog comments powered by Disqus