|
DENVER (AP) — The judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case on Thursday rejected arguments by the NBA star's attorneys that the state's rape-shield law is unconstitutional. The rape-shield law, which has withstood other challenges since it was enacted in the mid-1970s, generally bars defense attorneys from using information about the sexual history of alleged assault victims. Defense attorney Hal Haddon argued that the law violates Bryant's right to equal protection under the law because under another state law, a defendant's sexual history is presumed to be relevant and is admissible at trial. State District Judge Terry Ruckriegle said Bryant's sexual history will not be brought up in court, making that argument irrelevant.
He also noted that numerous witnesses have testified behind closed doors about the consensual sexual activities of the alleged victim before her encounter with Bryant last summer, ensuring the defense a chance to introduce that information as evidence. Bryant, 25, has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault. He has said he had consensual sex with a 19-year-old employee of the Vail-area resort where he stayed last June. If convicted, he faces four years to life in prison or 20 years to life on probation, and a fine of up to $750,000. | 
