14. Patrick's Trial part 3

14. Patrick's Trial part 3

From Rape on Trial by Dr Candida Saunders

January 24, 2026 · 1h 28m · Season 1 · Episode 14

About this episode

The episode concludes Patrick's rape trial, detailing the defense case, closing speeches, and the jury's verdict while examining effective closing arguments in such cases.

Rape on Trial is a fly-on-wall documentary-style podcast for listeners interested in the real-life workings of the criminal process, criminal law and proceedings. Through a series of in-depth case-studies drawing on case files and trial proceedings, we can see for ourselves how the criminal justice system works in rape and serious sex offence cases, and how it doesn't. This episode sees us back in a Crown Court somewhere in NI for the dramatic conclusion of Patrick's rape trial. Patrick stands accused on a single count of rape which he denies on the basis that Caitlin, who was intoxicated at the material time, not only consented to but initiated sex. Key topics and procedural elements covered: previous consistent statements under s120 Criminal Justice Act 2003; agreed evidence; police evidence--the testimony of the officer in the case; non-witnesses; the suspect interview; the defence case; the defendant's evidence-in-chief and cross-examination; an eye-brow raising defence witness; closing speeches and a master-class, perhaps, on how not to give a defence closing; the jury's quick and unanimous verdict. Although put together with the general listener firmly in mind, Rape on…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Candida Saunders

Topics covered

  • rape trial
  • defense case
  • prosecution
  • jury verdict
  • closing speeches
  • rape myths

Keywords

  • rape trial
  • defense
  • prosecution
  • jury verdict
  • closing speeches
  • rape myths
  • criminal justice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Amazon, Acast, criminaljusticeinaction.com

Books & works: Doak et al, Cross-examination on Trial: Advocacy and Vulnerability in Criminal Trials

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