The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) has called on the government to back a more balanced package of reforms for dealing with rape trials.

In a report published this week, the association rejected the suggestion that there should be a new legal definition of ?capacity? to consent to sex and the proposal that expert witnesses be called to explain the late reporting of alleged rapes by victims. The study came in response to a Home Office consultation paper on securing better justice for rape victims. Andrew Hall QC, chairman of the CBA, said: ?Rape allegations present difficult issues at trial, but these are more likely to be solved by clear case presentation, the sensitive handling of witnesses, good judicial direction and the common sense of juries, rather than the introduction of new laws and expert witnesses.?