SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate office in collaboration with the 20th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office hosted a mock sexual assault court martial here, April 28.
The mock court martial, “Got Consent,” was designed to enlighten Airmen about the complexities of SAPR cases and the legalities of consent. The trial lasted for approximately an hour and a half and the audience served as a “jury” consisting of service members and civilians from Shaw.
“It puts the audience members in the position of panel members as if they were detailed to a court martial,” said Capt. Eshawn Rawlley, 20th Fighter Wing assistant staff judge advocate. “They’re asked to arrive at a verdict based on the evidence that they see.”
The audience viewed video evidence concerning the details prior to an alleged sexual assault involving two intoxicated Airmen.
They then witnessed a direct examination of the alleged victim by the lawyer representing the government and a cross examination of the alleged victim by a lawyer representing the accused.
In the end, the interactive mock court martial gave the audience a unique opportunity to vote the defendant guilty or not guilty and provide a reasoning for their vote.
Sexual assault cases affect the lives and careers of the service members involved, their families, mission accomplishment and unit morale. The mock court martial provided valuable knowledge Airmen may be able to use in real-life situations.
“I think this helped the audience by educating and preparing them with tools for the future,” said Senior Airman Andrea Raudales, who played the alleged victim. “So whenever they make decisions they’ll make a wise decision instead of an irresponsible decision that could affect their Air Force career, or even their lives.”
Allowing the Airmen to step inside the courtroom gave them a chance to see how the legal process unfolds.