I rather think that she (and/or her lawyer) were assuming that most people (i.e. jurors) would be clueless about the "lifestyle" as a choice -- or that the whole S&M thing entered into the master/slave relationship. I think the lawyer was simply trying to portray her as a younger woman in a relationship with a much older man, where she was completely dominated and abused. Actually, bringing out the master/slave thing has opened up a can of worms for defense. It can be proven that NV chose this lifestyle and that she actively pursued this relationship w/ SH and that she willingly went along with it all (I'm assuming that LE has already found what you guys have found). And the average juror, once they start hearing about the "lifestyle", are going to think it's all pretty sick -- if anything, it will prejudice them against NV rather than gaining her sympathy. In all honesty, I'm trying my hardest to keep an open mind, but I just can't wrap my head around being in a relationship where one person calls all the shots, or where abuse and/or humiliation is acceptable.
ETA: and now all you "lifestylers" can beat me upillowfight2:
PILLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I believe you're absolutely right, the defense is going on everyone will think it's a horribly abusive relationship, when in actuality, it's expected, asked for and wanted. I am positive the prosecutor will have the same information I have and with any respect to the law, they will educate themselves on BDSM.
And it's not for everyone.. if it was, no one would have vanilla relationships! Everyone would be suspended from ropes in the ceiling and there would probably be high demand for floggers and therefore my costs would be too high!! It's already expensive, stay vanilla

Anyone know what time NV's hearing is set for?