Believe women is a political slogan arising out of the MeToo# Movement. The reason advanced by women is that women who complain of being raped have historically been met with deep suspicion by police, close friends and even family members.
Being Found Guilty of Rape
Anyone found guilty of rape must be dealt with under well-established legal principles. The allegation must be thoroughly investigated and if the evidence points to the existence of a prima facie case then charges are preferred by a competent police authority.
The accused is then tried by a competent prosecuting authority in a properly constituted court of law where the evidence for and against the accused is tested.
Those found proven guilty of rape deserve the full weight of the law. A sentence of imprisonment is the only option and concomitantly jobs and careers are lost.
The Rule of Law
The Rule of Law demands the above process is closely followed. It is much more than simply believing someone who alleges rape. Without the Rule of Law operating to protect all in society, especially the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator, unsubstantiated claims can be made by anyone about anyone.
This problem is accentuated through social media posts, tweets and commentary on social media by anyone willing to write a line or two and press a button.
In the case of Christian Porter, the former Attorney General accused of raping a woman in 1988 the comments have gone viral – believers and non-believers alike are battling it out.
It remains to be seen how the Christian Porter case plays out on the basis whether he will be judged according to well established legal principles developed over 800 years in our common law jurisdiction or whether belief and public opinion will prevail.
Whatever the outcome, Christian Porter’s career, professional and personal standing are to put it mildly, up in the air.
