Louise O'Neill: 'When I look at how difficult it is for a rape victim to even get a case to court, I wonder if our legal system is fit for purpose in 2020'

I often think about a conversation I had with a barrister a few years ago. She was an impressive sight, in her gown and wig, her high heels click-clacking on the wooden floors of the Four Courts.

“How would you feel,” I asked her, “if you knew that the client you were defending was probably guilty of rape and if they walk free from that court room, they were very likely to re-offend? Would you feel guilty?”