JL Deland,

Another who likes to put "men" in brackets, as an after thought.

Of course he's guilty.

All men are rapists. Didn't you know.

Totally pointless and non-constructive post yours Vanna.

But keep at it. You will make any full on, one sided, all men are guilty poster to this forum look good by comparison to yourself.

It is interesting that Briar Rose and others would totally dismiss the worth of character references simply because the defence can use them in a serious criminal trial involving a sex allegation made by a woman.

They presumably don't see a problem with character references being used elsewhere in life, just in this particular circumstance - woman good, man bad. However they see no prejudice in that, no Siree and none of them are at all abashed to be making that bigoted assessment in a case where a young man has been acquitted, without any possible atonement or even apology from his accuser/s, no guvvy counselling just pick himself up as best he can and with a stain on his name until he dies. Being acquitted means nothing according to some here. They imply that he 'got off', how wrong they are. Could he ever be trusted with kids? Goodness, better watch him, he is probably one of 'those' too. Men are like that you know.

It is an interesting and novel idea isn't it, no examination of the character or credibility of any of the parties including the witnesses, just accept what they say at face value. Hold on, you only want that to apply to the prosecution you say, because stereotypes rule? So much for equality.

This article is outrageous, a disgrace, it does not represent the views of women, just a particular grouping of feminists who happen to believe that males are inherently defective and should apologise for being alive.

Cornflower, that's outrageous. I don't dismiss the use of character references, for men or women, I simply question their worth, given that a dangerous woman or man may only show that side of their character to their victim, leaving everyone else who knows them in ignorance of it.

My post has nothing at all to do with Brett Stewart's situation. I accept the jury's verdict, I have no wish to malign Mr Stewart, and it's my opinion that there's nothing more to be said on the matter as he has been acquitted.

As the mother of deeply loved sons,and as a woman who has close ,trusted and trusting male friends, I find your comments offensive.

briar rose, "I don't dismiss the use of character references, for men or women, I simply question their worth, given that a dangerous woman or man may only show that side of their character to their victim, leaving everyone else who knows them in ignorance of it."

You don't believe that courts already do that and have always done so? I would have though that establishing the credibility of a witness is always a factor and is crucial to the process.

What are you demanding that is new or different to what a court normally does?

It is hypothetical and I do not mean to imply that anyone in particular is referring to a particular person, sorry to yourself and others.

A man could always supply a character reference to get a job and earn money and pay tax.

That's what men are good for.

{JL Deland}

I'll leave you as an after thought.