Banned Words Including "Rape" Result in Mistrial

Judge Jeffre Cheuvront of Lancaster County District (Nebraska) has declared a mistrial in a rape case claiming publicity made it impossible to seat an untainted jury. Previously, the judge had barred attorneys and witnesses from using the words "rape," "victim," "assailant," "sexual assault" and "sexual assault kit" – a ban allowed under Nebraska law where the language is deemed "prejudicial" or "misleading" to a jury. Words such as "sex" and "intercourse" were allowed, as they did not imply the act was "violent" rather than only "non-consensual." The mistrial was a result of advocates for rape victims criticizing the restrictions by holding rallies on the alleged victim’s behalf, as well as publicizing the ban nationwide.