Abstract
In this chapter, we discuss the implications of the research presented in earlier chapters for interviews with complainants who were alcohol intoxicated during the crime. We set out evidence-based guidance about alcohol and memory in rape and other serious sexual offences to assist policy and decision makers. On the basis of mounting scientific evidence, it is becoming clear that the legal system must focus on instituting procedures that increase the accuracy of eyewitness and victim memory reports, and enable decision makers to better assess memory reliability. Miscarriages of justice result when there is inadequate evidence-based policy and guidance for gathering and protecting memory evidence. This is particularly pronounced in investigating and prosecuting rape and other serious sexual offences, where myths abound about alcohol, credibility, and memory.
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Flowe, H.D., Carline, A., Davies, G.M., Smith, K., Prior, M. (2021). Recommendations for Practice. In: Flowe, H.D., Carline, A. (eds) Alcohol and Remembering Rape. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67867-8_5
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