2A:84A-32.1 - Prosecutions involving rape; evidence of complaining witness' previous sexual conduct - New Jersey Statutes

2A:84A-32.1.  Prosecutions involving rape;  evidence of complaining witness'  previous sexual conduct
    In prosecutions for the crime of rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and breaking and entering with intent to commit rape, evidence of the complaining witness' previous sexual conduct shall not be admitted nor reference made to it in the presence of the jury except as provided in this act.  When the defendant seeks to admit the evidence for any purpose, he may apply for an order of the court at any time before or during the trial or preliminary hearing.  After the application is made, the court shall conduct a hearing in camera to determine the admissibility of the evidence.  If the court  finds that evidence offered by the defendant regarding the sexual conduct of  the complaining witness is relevant, and that the probative value of the  evidence offered is not outweighed by the probability that its admission will  create undue prejudice, confusion of the issues, or unwarranted invasion of the  privacy of the complaining witness, the court shall make an order stating what  evidence may be introduced and the nature of the questions which shall be  permitted.  The defendant may then offer evidence under the order of the  court.

     L.1976, c. 71, s. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1976.