Making the justice system better for victims: consultation - easy read

Why some people think there should be a judge in serious sexual offence trials

• people are more likely to be found guilty if there is a judge

This might be because of what jurors think about sexual crimes.

• jurors sometimes do not understand important legal issues that often come up in serious sexual offence cases
• jurors might believe 'rape myths'.

A myth is something that is not true.

Jurors might believe ideas that it was the woman's fault that she was raped.

• some judges have had court cases where there was enough evidence to convict the accused but the jury did not find them guilty
• juries might not understand how trauma can affect a victim
• serious sexual offence cases can be upsetting for jurors
• a trial without a jury will take less time

This is better for the victim and will help trials to be done more quickly.

• judges have to give reasons for their decision – juries do not have to