Rape Suspects Have Right To Women’s Files

Defendants accused of rape have a right to obtain relevant records from the therapists and psychologists of their alleged victims, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday.

Women’s groups have argued that a woman’s sexual history is irrelevant in rape cases. Such material is private and can be used to put the victim on trial, the groups say.

But lawyers defending men accused of sexual assault often subpoena such records from rape-crisis centers and shelters for battered women. They say the records are vital to ensure a fair trial.