[Z]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

So you think the PM is just placating the public and they're not his true feeling on this subject?
The fact that it has affected the public and the CPS shows that it's far from a storm in a teacup. I would hope it changes attitudes of those working on these cases.
Suppositions like this are unhelpful to victims.
''probably had had sex with numerous partners regardless of her age.''

Yes, he's the Prime Minister he's not going to alienate people by taking a controversial view point in something like this.

[DanaC]

Even if her behaviour was 'predatory' (which I don't accept - it mischaracterises the power differential between a 13 year old girl and a 41 year old man) using it in this context, at this point in the trial was wrong in my opinion. It was used as mitigation of the man's guilt and it effectively cast judgement on the girl. She was not on trial. It was entirely inappropriate to brand her in this way.

We are clearly not going to agree on this. It will be interesting to see what comes of the review into the matter.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by DanaC

Even if her behaviour was 'predatory' (which I don't accept - it mischaracterises the power differential between a 13 year old girl and a 41 year old man) using it in this context, at this point in the trial was wrong in my opinion. It was used as mitigation of the man's guilt and it effectively cast judgement on the girl. She was not on trial. It was entirely inappropriate to brand her in this way.

We are clearly not going to agree on this. It will be interesting to see what comes of the review into the matter.

Agreed. Even though you an I clearly don't agree, it's been interesting, DanaC.

[Kizzy]

Originally Posted by Zee

Yes, he's the Prime Minister he's not going to alienate people by taking a controversial view point in something like this.

It is controversial with good reason, the controversiality surrounding the judges comments is what sparked the whole debate here.
I look forward to hearing what outcomes there are following this.