Representing the Plaintiff in Sexual Assault Civil Litigation

This course, led by attorney Giugi Carminati, addresses the issues raised by litigating a civil sexual assault case. Rape, sexual assault, and unwanted sexual contact cases are not typical tort cases: they present unique challenges and require practitioners to make unique strategy calls. In order to properly make those calls, lawyers have to understand the gender-based dynamics, the stereotypes that undermine a victim's credibility, and the rules of evidence that specifically address sexually charged cases.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define “sexual assault”
2. Identify causes of action for a civil suit for sexual assault
3. Discuss societal constructs and behaviors and their impact on these cases
4. Address issues of using experts and therapists in court during litigation
5. Break down the rules of evidence that specifically apply to sexual assault cases