1.7​Rape-Shield Statute³⁰

The rape-shield statute, MCL 750.520j, limits the admissibility of evidence related to a complainant’s past sexual conduct. With the exception of the two circumstances explained in MCL 750.520j(a)-(b),³¹ the rape-shield statute limits the admission into evidence of all a complainant’s past sexual conduct or reputation for sexual conduct. People v Adair, 452 Mich 473, 478 (1996).

The rape-shield statute reflects the Legislature’s determination that while a complainant’s past sexual conduct or reputation for sexual conduct may be logically relevant, the information is not legally relevant. People v Sharpe, 502 Mich 313, 326 (2018). With the creation of the rape-shield statute, the Legislature noted that a complainant’s sexual history or reputation is not likely to be a reliable way of measuring a victim’s veracity or determining whether the sexual conduct was consensual. People v Powell, 201 Mich App 516, 519 (1993). In light of the danger of unfair prejudice, a complainant’s sex history is only minimally relevant. Sharpe, 502 Mich at 326. Lastly, protecting a complainant’s privacy may mitigate a complainant’s hesitancy to report the assault. Id.