Chloe is a second year PhD student in the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast, conducting research on the use of previous sexual history (PSH) evidence in sexual offence trials in Northern Ireland (NI).

Her research has been commissioned by, and is in collaboration with, the Department of Justice, following the publication of the Gillen Review in 2019. The study focuses on prevalence (how common this type of evidence is), impact (what effect this has on complainants’), and possibilities for reform. Currently, there are little to no statistics available on the usage of PSH evidence in NI, despite figures in similar jurisdictions suggesting that it is routinely being admitted during trial. This research, therefore, provides a timely and contextual NI perspective on this issue, by reviewing the current law of evidence and how it is being applied in practice. Importantly, the study is grounded in feminist sociology and feminist legal scholarship, with an aim to produce recommendations that will promote positive change in the criminal justice process.

Prior to PhD study, Chloe obtained a Masters of Research, with Commendation, and Bachelor of Arts, with First Class Honours in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, both from QUB.

Criminal Justice & Legal Reform Consent & Sexual Behaviour