Robert L. Shevin Attorney General State of Florida Tallahassee June 5, 1974 Ms. Roxcy Bolton 1302 Alhambra Circle Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Dear Roxcy: As you may know a major revamping of Florida's rape statute was enacted into law last week. The new law, based on your recommendation to me to establish degrees of rape,Represents a substantial modification of the traditional approach to the crime of rape. ...... The basic intent of the new statute is to treat any form of sexual offense against a man or women as an invasion of sexual privacy, punishable in degrees under one law. The provisions, as enacted into law, represent a product of intensive work and deliberation by the sponsors, the legislative committees and members of my staff. With this new legislation we are entering a new era in the prosecution of sexual offenses. I am firmly convinced that the new statute, as a significant departure from tradition, will enable a greater number of prosecutions for a sexual assault while minimizing the trauma experienced by the victim. As counter-part to the law we are currently developing a booklet, to be issued to all law enforcement agencies, outlining guidelines for questioning a victim of sexual assault. We have come a long way-- it couldn't have been done without the dedication and direction of people like yourself.I am hopeful that the future will realize further progressive measures to deal with the problem of rape in the State of Florida. Sincerely, [Signature] Robert L. Shevin Attorney General RLS/ Pm [Image of seal of attorney general] [Image of Florida seal]