Ohio, like most states, has a rape shield law that limits the amount of information of an alleged victim's past that can be explored in court.

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The judge ruled that this argument fitted the exception to Colorado's rape-shield law, which admits evidence of outside sexual conduct only if it could directly exonerate the defendant.

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"The state has an interest of the highest order in this case in providing a confidential evidentiary proceeding under the rape-shield statute, because such hearings protect victims' privacy, encourage victims to report sexual assault, and further the prosecution and deterrence of sexual assault, " said Justice Gregory Hobbs, writing for the majority.

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