News article: Sperm 'clock' may help rape cases

[webmoo]

Hi all,

Latest bit of science for you, apparently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4310953.stm

Forensic scientists say they may be able to use sperm's "death rate" as evidence of when a rape took place.

They found that the chemical in spermicidal condoms - often used by rapists, causes sperm cells to die at a steady rate.

Sounds very interesting, although it does seem to have many provisos, it could be useful in some cases.

What think you?

[val lavender]

Hi all

just thinking out loud for a moment, if someone tales the time and trouble to stop and use a condom it seems more likely that this is the kind of behavior associated with a mutually consentual act.

Given the fact that it takes both hands just to open the packet, and requires time to put the thing on, the very fact that a condom is used could be argued to negate any allegation that sex was forced upon someone against their will.

[diana_holbourn]

All it would take would be for a rapist to say while putting a condom on, "Move and I'll strangle you" or "you'll suffer worse" or something.