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Rape and the Criminal Trial

Part of the book series: Palgrave Socio-Legal Studies ((PSLS))

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Abstract

The unique argument developed in this book is that the criminal courtroom, specifically in rape cases, needs to be reconceptualised as a complex system and an ‘affective assemblage’. We argue, for the first time, that a move beyond representational theory and towards new materialism and affects, which emphasises the importance of the ‘ontological intensive regime’, enables a more informed and realistic understanding of courtroom dynamics and the practices of barristers. This, in turn, impacts upon the implementation and utilisation of well-meaning reform measures and policies. In this first chapter, we introduce the philosophical framework and key concepts, which synthesises the work of Deleuze, Deleuze and Guattari and complexity science and theory. Thereafter, we set out the empirical and theoretical methodologies and briefly explain the criminal justice, law and policy context as it relates to rape.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The references are listed in order of the original publication date, as opposed to the publication date of the edition referenced. This is to enable the reader to develop an understanding of the trajectory of the work.

  2. 2.

    On Deleuzian-inspired methodologies and researching affects, see also Coleman and Ringrose (2013) and Knudsen and Stage (2015).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Anna Carline

  2. Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Clare Gunby

  3. Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK

    Jamie Murray

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  1. Anna Carline
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  2. Clare Gunby
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  3. Jamie Murray
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Correspondence to Anna Carline .

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Carline, A., Gunby, C., Murray, J. (2020). Introduction. In: Rape and the Criminal Trial. Palgrave Socio-Legal Studies. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38684-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-38684-9_1

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