Supreme Court of British Columbia training 2021

Law at Lunch: Introduction to Sexual Assault Law Self-Study Program and Materials

June 30, 2021

Number of participants: 60-70

Overview: This training program on sexual assault law and social was designed primarily for recently appointed judges, and integrated self-study components and discussion-based question and answer sessions.

Objectives: The main objective of this seminar was to equip judges with the knowledge and skills they need to manage sexual assault trials effectively, efficiently and fairly.

Summary: This program was developed to meet immediate judicial needs relating to sexual assault law trials. Judges who participated in the program were provided with dedicated time to review the course materials, which were notably drawn the National Judicial Institute’s Judging in Your First Five Years – Criminal Law program. Judicial faculty then hosted a series of discussion and question and answer sessions to explore the topics covered in the materials in greater detail.  These included the substantive law of sexual assault, pre-trial motions, criminal procedure, myths and stereotypes relating to sexual assault law, the social context surrounding sexual assault, decision-making, and sentencing considerations.

Court Conference

November 8 – 11, 2021

Overview: A mandatory conference for all justices of our Court which featured a session on Sexual Assault Law with presentations entitled:

• “Current Issues in Sexual Assault Law”
• “Evidence of Complainant’s Sexual Activity”
• “Sentencing for Sexual Assault of Children”