R v Z (Prior Acquittal)

Subject Matter

CRIME — Evidence — Similar facts — Trial for rape — Defendant charged with rape on four previous occasions — Trials resulting in acquittals on three occasions — Whether evidence of complainants in relation to previous acquittals admissible to negate victim's consent or defendant's belief in her consent — Whether admission infringement of rule against double jeopardy

[2000] 2 AC 483; [2000] 3 WLR 117

Commentary

Blackstones Criminal Practice 2025
Relevance and Admissibility of Acquittals F12.22

Meaning and Proof of Bad Character - Proof of Commission of an Offence - Acquittals and Decisions Not to Prosecute: Special Considerations F13.12

Perjury in a Judicial Proceeding - Prosecution for Perjury where Accused’s Evidence Secured his Acquittal in Previous Trial B14.14

Autrefois Acquit and Autrefois Convict - Scope of the Pleas - Findings that Cannot Form Basis for Plea of Autrefois Acquit D12.26