Prof Jonathan Herring: 'Rough Sex' and Criminal Law
About the Event
Jonathan Herring will discuss the legal and societal challenges surrounding the "rough sex" defence, particularly in cases where men have killed their partners and claimed the deaths occurred during consensual rough sex. He will explore how this defence has found unsettling success in criminal trials, raising critical questions about consent, sexual violence, and the treatment of women in the justice system. In the broader context of gendered violence and patriarchal myths, Jonathan will examine how societal norms surrounding sex and violence can obscure the realities of harm and consent. His talk will also reflect on the role of the law in addressing violence against women and the urgent need for a more effective legal response to these cases. Drawing on his co-authored works on the subject with Hannah Bows, he will also be discussing some of his current work on the topic.
See more about the project here: Research project on rough sex with Hannah Bows and Jonathan (ox.ac.uk)
Recommended (not compulsory) pre read: Getting Away With Murder? A Review of the ‘Rough Sex Defence’ - Hannah Bows, Jonathan Herring, 2020 (sagepub.com)
We hope you can join us in person for coffee/tea and cookies. If not, here are the Teams details to join online:
Meeting ID: 325 679 987 697
Passcode: nYdNXP