Last updated 14 April 2016

The Crown on behalf of the state conducts prosecutions for rape and sexual assault. This means that complainants do not have their own legal representation and their interests are pursued by the 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.