Opinion ID: 2311215
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Type of Proof and Other Matters

Text: While all the elements of a crime must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt ( In re Winship, 397 U.S. 358, 364 (1970); accord, Mullaney v. Wilbur, 421 U.S. 684, 696-98 (1975)), in New Hampshire it is well settled that a conviction for the crime of rape does not depend upon the corroboration of the prosecutrix's testimony. State v. Blake, 113 N.H. 115, 123, 305 A.2d 300, 305 (1973); State v. Robbins, 114 N.H. 427, 430, 321 A.2d 583, 585 (1974). In fact, the trend of modern authority is towards abolishment of the corroboration requirement. Note, The Rape Corroboration Requirement: Repeal Not Reform, 81 Yale L.J. 1365 (1972). See generally, Hibey, The Trial of a Rape Case: An Advocate's Analysis of Corroboration, Consent, and Character, 11 Am. Crim. L. Rev. 309, 310-19 (1973). Therefore, we can see no sound reason to accept the invitation to abandon our present rule. Likewise, we find no cognizable claim for any prejudice caused by the prosecution's closing argument. None of the incidents specifically complained of in the brief for the defense were objected to at trial. In this State, as elsewhere, it is axiomatic that timely objections and reservation by exception are the standard manner to save issues for appeal. State v. Blake, 113 N.H. 115, 120, 305 A.2d 300, 304 (1973); 5 Wharton, Criminal Law and Procedure §§ 2046-49 (R.A. Anderson ed. 1957, Supp. 1974). The failure to have objected at the time, when corrective measures could have been taken, constitutes a waiver. Nor can we find any valid basis for the defendants' claim that discrepancies in sentences for the similar crimes of rape committed were a violation of equal protection of the laws. While we have noted the possible effect of disparate sentencing for the same crime without a rational basis ( State v. Streeter, 113 N.H. 402, 308 A.2d 535 (1973)), we have never indicated that a trial judge on the basis of facts available to him may not structure different sentences for the same crime to achieve the goals of punishment, deterrence, protection of society and rehabilitation. See State v. Church, 115 N.H. 537, 345 A.2d 392 (1975); S. Rubin, Law of Criminal Correction ch. 4, §§ 1-8 (1973). We have also reviewed the remaining claims of the defendants and find them to be without merit. Accordingly, the order of the court is Exceptions overruled.