Legal Issue: the Sexual Assault Debate

You are to consider the following articles and video to gain an understanding about the debate surrounding sexual assault and criminal law:

• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41766627
• https://globalnews.ca/news/3842846/the-reasons-some-victims-of-sexual-assault-choose-to-sue-in-civil-court/
• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/chief-justice-beverley-mclachlin-on-sex-assault-cases-no-one-has-the-right-to-a-particular-verdict/article36763554/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&
• https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/mclachlin-misses-the-mark-with-sexual-assault-comments/article36778724/
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/acquittal-sexual-assault-decision-1.5007536
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/alternatives-to-sexual-assault-trials-1.3451140
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XB5fG7gbZ0&ab_channel=CBCNews%3ATheNational

Now that you have an understanding of the issue, you are to reflect on the following questions:

When dealing with incidents of sexual assault, where should the legal system be focused: on supporting the victim, or protecting the rights of the accused? Which is more important? Can they be effectively balanced?

Your response is to be written in a formal paragraph form using full sentences. You are to make a clear stance on the issue and back it with a thoughtful rationale. Draw on points made in the articles and interview to formulate and support your position.

Your response will be graded for:

• A clear, persuasive, and accurate position that demonstrates an understanding and critical thinking of the issue
• Specific examples/evidence from the articles and video to support your position
• Coherent and formal writing style and structure