HALIFAX — The stereotype of the “promiscuous party girl” may have factored into the acquittal of a Halifax cab driver accused of sexually assaulting a woman in his car, a review of the case suggests. In a draft paper submitted to Canadian Bar Review, Dalhousie law professor Elaine Craig says Judge Gregory Lenehan deserved much of the widespread backlash he received following the acquittal of taxi driver Bassam Al-Rawi in March. “Judge Lenehan’s speculation, implausible conclusions and legally incorrect reasoning were informed by the stereotype that unchaste women, or promiscuous party girls, will consent to sex with anyone,” writes Craig. Evidence of the woman’s DNA was found on Al-Rawi’s upper lip, but the origin of the bodily fluid couldn’t be identified. Craig suggests reforms such as mandatory sexual assault training for judges.

Source: National Post April 23, 2017 11:15 UTC