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The Morning Edition

Best of 2024: Unpacking the extraordinary Bruce Lehrmann judgment

Dec 23, 2024
Join legal affairs reporter Michaela Whitebourn as she dissects the landmark ruling by Justice Michael Lee on the Bruce Lehrmann case. She dives into the complexities of the defamation trial and explores the crucial question of consent, especially related to intoxication. Michaela discusses the judicial findings surrounding the credibility of both Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins, emphasizing the trial's implications on public perception and the emotional toll on those involved. This conversation reveals the intricate dance of law and justice in high-profile cases.
16:59

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Quick takeaways

  • Justice Michael Lee's ruling declared that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins, despite Lehrmann's denial and ongoing appeals against the judgment.
  • The podcast underscores the crucial differences between civil and criminal legal standards, particularly how this case's findings do not equate to a criminal conviction.

Deep dives

Justice Lee's Ruling on Bruce Lehrman

Justice Michael Lee found that Bruce Lehrman raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House, marking a significant moment in a complex legal case. He described the events as an 'omni-shambles' and concluded that the evidence presented met the civil standard of proof, indicating it was more likely than not that Higgins was sexually assaulted. This judgment was based on a combination of documentary evidence, CCTV footage, and testimonies from witnesses present prior to the incident. The ruling emphasized the seriousness of the finding while clarifying that it should not be misconstrued as a criminal conviction.

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