Last updated 2 February 2026
The Crown on behalf of the state conducts prosecutions for rape and contested sexual assault. This means that complainants at a trial do not have their own legal representation and their interests are pursued by police or the Crown Prosecutor or another lawyer from, or on the behalf of, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The prosecution must prove the guilt of the accused to the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution have an obligation to disclose to the defence all of the evidence (including the complainant’s statement and the results of any forensic or medical examination) that they rely on to prove the charge.