Join us for a Relevance Symposium on 1st October
The Relevance Test in Practice: Evidence, Justice and Survivors’ Rights
A symposium on sexual history and counselling notes in sexual offence proceedings
Thursday 1st October, 17:30 Jury Assembly Room, Central Criminal Court, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8
We are delighted to invite you to join us for a symposium exploring the role of sexual history and counselling notes in sexual offence proceedings.
The Relevance Test in Practice: Evidence, Justice and Survivors’ Rights will bring together leading voices to explore the critical question of relevance and the application of the relevance test in the context of both Section 3 (Sexual Experience) and Section 19A (Disclosure of Third-Party Records) applications before the courts.
Given the significant public discourse on matters of disclosure over the past year, this symposium offers a vital opportunity to build a deeper and wider understanding of how these aspects of criminal justice evidence operate in practice.
Programme
Research Launch Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, will launch groundbreaking research by Dr Sinéad Ring, Associate Professor in Law and Criminology at Maynooth University, on Section 3 applications — including the tension between relevance and credibility, with recommendations for reform.
Keynote Address Prof Vanessa Munro, Professor of Law at the University of Warwick, will respond to Dr Ring’s findings, offering her perspective on how the relevance test is interpreted and the practical challenges it presents.
Expert Panel Discussion A distinguished panel of legal professionals will explore the broader implications of these applications, including their impact on survivors.
This interdisciplinary event will bring together legal and policy professionals, advocates, NGOs, media and members of the public for a vital conversation on evidence, justice and survivors’ rights.
17:15 — Registration & refreshments
17:30 — Symposium starts
19:30 — Networking opportunity
