Call for ‘careful consideration’ of proposals to cross-examine references in rape trials

Introduced in court after a verdict has been delivered with the aim of reducing the length of sentencing, the amount of character references given to convicted criminals in rape and sexual assault trials has come into question. There are now fresh calls to change this system in order to make proceedings less intimidating for survivors, though it’s said that this could have wider impacts for the Irish justice system.

thejournal.ie

Ukrainian government shakeup

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he has fired two of his top law enforcement officials, including his security chief. He has cited hundreds of cases of treason, and collaboration with Russia. This is the biggest change in Ukrainian government since the Russian invasion began in February.

The Irish Times

Temperatures could reach up to 32 degrees

Met Éireann have issued a status yellow high temperature warning across the entire country that remains valid until midnight tonight. Temperatures are poised to reach from 26°C to 32°C, so make sure to stay in the shade, lather on the SPF, and remain well hydrated.

RTÉ

Junior Cycle Sex Education syllabus set to be revamped

The current (20 year old) syllabus is being brought into the modern world with the latest announcement that Sex Education within the Junior Cycle will expand to cover consent, gender stereotyping, wellbeing, relationships, online pornography and the sharing of sexual images. Minister for Education Norma Foley has described this proposal as “a step in the right direction.”

The Irish Examiner

Three killed at Indiana shopping centre

Three people have been shot dead in Greenwood Park Mall, Indiana, and they are among 136 people killed in firearm violence nationwide in the last 72 hours, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The unidentified shooter was later killed by a 22-year-old armed bystander.

Sky News