Sexual Assault Law: What Does Consent Mean?

Sexual Assault Law: What Does Consent Mean?

From Max Planck Lawcast by Max Planck Law

September 11, 2025 · 31 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of consent in sexual assault law reform in Europe with expert Tatjana Hörnle.

Guest: Tatjana Hörnle (Director of the Department of Criminal Law, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law) Beyond a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, consent to sexual activity is a nuanced concept deeply intertwined with respect, personal boundaries, and human dignity. As European nations grapple with reforming their sexual assault laws to reflect these complexities, we explore the challenges of creating effective legislation. Christopher Murphy is joined by Tatjana Hörnle, whose expertise in the modernization of these laws across Europe provides invaluable insight into this crucial and sensitive subject. Link to one of Tatjana's papers on the topic: https://academic.oup.com/clp/article/77/1/49/7646429 Find out more: https://law.mpg.de/lawcast/?id=123436

People in this episode

Host: Christopher Murphy

Guest: Tatjana Hörnle

Topics covered

  • sexual assault law
  • consent
  • legislation reform
  • personal boundaries
  • human dignity

Keywords

  • sexual assault
  • consent
  • law reform
  • Tatjana Hörnle
  • European legislation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Max Planck Law

Books & works: Sexual Assault Law: What Does Consent Mean?

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