LAW

Published on
KembaraXtra-Case Law-R. v. Matthews (1997)
Citation: R. v. Matthews (John) (1997) - Criminal Case
Key Facts:
  • Victim (V): Male-to-female transsexual.
  • Defendant (D): Visited V in her apartment.
  • Act: D removed V's clothing, touched her genital area, and forced his penis into her artificial vagina.
  • Charge: Rape.
  • Defense: D argued that penetration of an artificial vagina does not constitute rape.
Legal Issue:
  • Does penile penetration of an artificial vagina constitute rape under the extended definition of rape in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994?
Held (Decision):
  • Yes. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 extended the definition of rape to include anal rape of a man. This extension should also include "vaginal" rape of a man, because the law intends to protect people who identify as male, from such acts.
  • D was convicted of rape.
Significance:
  • This case clarifies the scope of the definition of rape under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
  • It extends the definition of rape to include penile penetration of an artificial vagina on a person who identifies as male.
Key Terms:
  • Transsexual: A person who has undergone gender reassignment.
  • Artificial Vagina: A surgically constructed or prosthetic vagina.
  • Penile Penetration: Insertion of the penis.
  • Rape: Unlawful sexual activity and penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person, without their consent.
  • Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994: Legislation that extended the definition of rape to include anal rape of a man.
Picture
0 Comments