The New Hampshire Supreme Court is considering whether the state’s “rape shield law” should protect murder victim Elizabeth "Lizzi" Marriott’s sexual history from being made public during her convicted killer’s appeal, Seacoastonline.com reports. “In June, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that information about Marriott's sexual activity that had been sealed during the trial should be made public during the appeals process, prompting objections from prosecutors and Marriott's family,” the report states. While lawyers pursuing the appeal maintain making the information public would lead to increased transparency, others argue it has dangerous ramifications. "No other state in the country takes away these protections on appeal,” New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s Lyn Schollett said. “When victims don't come forward, fewer cases are prosecuted and our public safety as a state is compromised."
Full Story