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Criminal Law

Journal

Evidence

Cleveland State University

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Law

The Problem With Innocence, Margaret Raymond Jan 2001

The Problem With Innocence, Margaret Raymond

Cleveland State Law Review

Pursuing justice for the wrongfully convicted is a profoundly meaningful goal. Yet the innocence movement may have unintended consequences for the criminal justice system. This paper explores some of these, and argues that the focus on factual innocence may create certain distortions in the way that actors in the criminal justice system---the "ones left behind"--perceive their obligations and allegiances. It may convince the public, including policymakers, that the system works effectively to reveal and redress wrongful convictions. It may convince prospective jurors that it is-or should be-the defendant's burden to prove innocence. It may convince potential criminal defense clients that …


The Existing Confidentiality Privileges As Applied To Rape Victims, Bridget M. Mccafferty Jan 1990

The Existing Confidentiality Privileges As Applied To Rape Victims, Bridget M. Mccafferty

Journal of Law and Health

It is evident that when this type of questioning occurs, the victim must overcome the presumption that she is at fault. As it exists, the prosecution of the rapist also results in the prosecution of the victim. However, it is undeniable that the defendant in a rape case is presumed innocent until a judicial determination states otherwise. A dilemma arises when the court attempts to balance the victim's right to bring the accused to trial and the defendant's right to prove his innocence. Currently, the judicial system favors the presumption of the defendant's innocence, presupposing that the victim has falsely …