BONUS: Without Consent with Sarah Weinman

In this bonus episode of Mind Over Murder, hosts Bill Thomas and Kristen Dilley welcome Sarah Weinman to discuss her groundbreaking book, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime. The conversation delves into the historical and legal evolution of marital rape, tracing how for centuries, the concept was legally nonexistent under common law, with wives considered property of their husbands. Weinman recounts the pivotal 1978 Oregon vs. Rideout case—the first trial of a man accused of raping his wife—highlighting the media frenzy, juror bias, and the deeply flawed legal process that led to John Rideout’s acquittal despite clear evidence of assault. The episode explores the lasting trauma inflicted on victim Greta Rideout, the societal reluctance to confront marital rape even in feminist circles, and the long-term consequences of the acquittal, which emboldened Rideout to commit further sexual assaults. The narrative culminates in Rideout’s 2017 conviction and eventual life sentence after a second trial in 2022, underscoring how legal and cultural attitudes have shifted—though not without backlash. Weinman reflects on the importance of consent, the power of survivor agency, and the ongoing need for systemic reform in how sexual violence is prosecuted and perceived. Key takeaways include: 1) Marital rape was not a crime in any U.S. state until the 1970s, and even then, change was slow and state-by-state; 2) The 1978 Oregon vs. Rideout trial was a national turning point, exposing deep societal biases and the dangers of victim-blaming; 3) Survivors of sexual assault, especially in intimate relationships, face compounded trauma due to ongoing contact and lack of escape; 4) Legal reforms like non-unanimous jury verdicts and the weaponization of sexual assault narratives remain critical issues; 5) The importance of consent, especially in long-term relationships, must be central to both law and culture; 6) Media and legal systems still struggle with balancing victim privacy and public accountability; 7) Survivor-led advocacy and storytelling are essential to progress; 8) Progress is not linear—while awareness has grown, backlash and disinformation remain potent threats.