I tried to find insensitive comments made by Judges in cases other than sexual assault. But most reports in the media pertain only to these type of cases. I’m sure Judges say insensitive things in other cases as well, but the media has focused on comments said in relation to sexual assault cases.

I think the problem is that most of these Judges are older and they move in very exclusive circles in society. They are for the most part, out of touch with community standards and need to re-educate themselves before taking the bench!

Deborah

Let’s face it, rape/pornography cases are VERY delicate (and I’m using this type of case as it seems to be the most prominently featured in your article) and as such they needed to be treated both delicately and with great sensitivity.

‘Justice Derek Bollen (SA) told a jury during a rape case that a husband is entitled to use “rougher than usual handling” to force himself on his wife.’ Well, actually, no. This is very similar to the case that ended with the judge deciding that the wife is the ‘chattel’ of the husband and so he can do what he wants with her. This ended up being appealed and the wife won. Plus, the judge was then ridiculed for such an outdated decision (because he had taken the idea from long past cases in England).