Volume I: Prosecution Practices

CHAPTER 1. Introduction
1.1 The Need for a Model Response
1.2 Core Principles
Exhibit 1-1: Core Principles Guiding Best Practices in Sexual Assault Prosecution
1.3 Defining and Measuring Success
1.4 The RSVP Model: The Two Facets of Progress
Exhibit 1-2: The RSVP Model

CHAPTER 2. Office Level Leadership: The Prosecutor’s Role to Seek Justice
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Assess Current Practice in Your Jurisdiction
2.1-A: What Does Attrition Look Like in Your Jurisdiction?
2.1-B: Identify, Review and Link Prosecution Policies and Practices to Specific Outcomes
2.1-C: Capture Case Complexity
2.1-D: Routinely Capture, Analyze, and Communicate About the Data
2.1-E: Properly Allocate Resources to Address Sexual Violence
2.2 Build Capacity
2.2-A: Within the Office
2.2-A-1: Develop and Instill Core Principle
2.2-A-2: Develop Specialized Units and Prosecutors
Exhibit 2-1: Qualities of a Successful Prosecutor
2.2-A-3: Understand How the Rules of Professional Responsibility Govern Decision-Making
2.2-A-4: Recognize and Address the Impact of Vicarious Trauma on Staff
2.2-B: Within the Community
2.2-B-1: Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Exhibit 2-2: SART Core and Additional Members
2.2-B-2: Identify and Utilize Data and Technology
2.2-B-3: Share Information and Expertise
2.2-B-4: Develop an Effective Strategy for Communicating with the Community About Sexual Violence
2.2-B-5: Improve Community Relations by Promoting Cultural Humility
2.2-B-6: Encourage and Facilitate Formal and Informal Cross-Training
2.3 Office-Level Conceptual Model
Exhibit 2-3: RSVP Conceptual Model
Exhibit 2-4: Office Policy & Practice Conceptual Model

CHAPTER 3. Case-Level Leadership
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Review, Evaluate, and Charge the Case
3.1-A: Review All Reports in a Timely Manner
3.1-B: Consider Law, Policy, and Relevant Research
3.1-B-1: Communicate Regularly and Meaningfully with Investigators
3.1-C: Make Charging Decisions Consistent with Research and Ethical Considerations
3.1-C-1: Corroboration is Valuable but Usually not a Legal Requirement
3.1-C-2: Consult Statutes, Case Law, Social Science, Medical, and Other Relevant Research
3.1-D: Request Bail Commensurate with the Seriousness of the Offense
3.1-D-1: Request No-Contact Orders
3.1-D-2: Safeguard Victim Privacy and Safety
3.1-E: Oppose Unnecessary Delay
3.1-F: Build a Case that Engages Victims and Makes Effective Use of All Probative Evidence
3.1-F-1: Conduct Trauma-Informed Interview of the Victim to Reveal Evidence of the Crime
3.1-F-2: Review DNA and Forensic Evidence to Corroborate the Victim’s Testimony
3.1-F-3: Prevent and Respond to Witness Intimidation
3.1-F-4: Review All of the Evidence and Begin to Put the Pieces of the Case Together