Understanding Rape Shield Laws by Professor Michelle J. Anderson (September 2004) outlines the history of rape shield laws and delineates the types of shield laws in all fifty states. The author analyzes the serious gaps in these laws and critiques the continued admission of evidence of complainants' sexual history in rape trials. In response, the author proposes and defends a new model rape shield law to address the problems under the status quo.

Michelle J. Anderson is professor of law at Villanova University where she teaches criminal law, criminal procedure, feminist legal theory, and children and the law. Her scholarly expertise is rape law. Professor Anderson is also Policy Chair for the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

• Understanding Rape Shield Laws

• Rape Shield Statutes by State [PDF] from Arte-Santa
• From Chastity Requirement to Sexuality License: Sexual Consent and a New Rape Shield Law by Professor Michelle J. Anderson (2002)