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Child Pornography
Any use of a minor involving photographic, video or
similar images. These are sometimes distributed at
parties or over the Internet. Innocent downloading
of these images is a crime as well. Mere
possession of the images constitutes a crime, even if
not the originator. Each image is considered a
separate offense.
Date Rape
This is one of the most difficult to prove and to
defend. At what point does the date end and a rape
begin. Here's a tip: if at any time the
other person says "no" or "stop"; do
it.
Failure to Register
This is the crime of failing to register on the
sexual offenders (Megan's) list. The crime of
failure to register can revoke any deal(s) made with the
prosecutor or the Court in the prior case and allow for
complete charges and sentencing to occur for the
original case as well as the failing to register.
Indecent
Exposure
The crime of displaying one's genitalia to one or more other
people in a public place, usually with the apparent intent to
shock the unsuspecting viewer and give the exposer a sexual
charge.
Lewd Conduct
This can be as simple as 'hanging a B.A." out
of a window. Any exposure of a "private
part" or any sexually explicit gesture or motion
can be considered "lewd" and is punishable as
a criminal offense.
Molestation
Although often tied together with Child Molestation,
this really can mean any unwanted or improper physical
contact with another. Usually the recipient/victim
is in a lesser position than the offender.
Oral Copulation
Interestingly, this is still a crime in many
States. This includes both cunnilingus and
fellatio.
Prostitution
The profession of performing sexual acts for money.
Prostitution is a crime throughout the United States, except
for a few counties in the state of Nevada, where it is allowed
in licensed houses of prostitution. Soliciting acts of
prostitution is also a crime, called pandering or simply,
soliciting. Pandering on behalf of a prostitute is called
pimping.
Rape
The crime of sexual intercourse (with actual penetration of a
woman's vagina with the man's penis) without consent and
accomplished through force, threat of violence or intimidation
(such as a threat to harm a woman's child, husband or
boyfriend). What constitutes lack of consent usually includes
saying "no" or being too drunk or drug-influenced
for the woman to be able to either resist or consent, but a
recent Pennsylvania case ruled that a woman must do more than
say "no" on the bizarre theory that "no"
does not always mean "don't," but a flirtatious
come-on. "Date rape" involves rape by an
acquaintance who refuses to stop when told to. Defense
attorneys often argue that there had to be physical
resistance, but the modern view is that fear of harm and the
relative strengths of the man and the woman are obvious
deterrents to a woman fighting back. Any sexual intercourse
with a child is rape and in most states sexual relations even
with consent involving a girl 14 to 18 (with some variation on
ages in a few states) is "statutory rape," on the
basis that the female is unable to give consent. 2) to have
sexual intercourse with a female without her consent through
force, violence, threat or intimidation, or with a girl under
age. Technically, a woman can be charged with rape by
assisting a man in the rape of another woman. Dissatisfied
with the typical prosecution of rape cases (in which the
defense humiliates the accuser, and prosecutors are unable or
unwilling to protect the woman from such tactics), women have
been suing for civil damages for the physical and emotional
damage caused by the rape, although too often the perpetrator
has no funds. Protection services for rape victims have been
developed by both public and private agencies. On the other
side of the coin, there is the concern of law enforcement and
prosecutors that women whose advances have been rejected by a
man, or who have been caught in the act of consensual sexual
intercourse may falsely cry "rape."
Sexual
Assault
Sexual contact usu. that is
forced upon a person without consent or inflicted upon a
person who is incapable of giving consent (as because of age
or physical or mental incapacity) or who places the assailant
(as a doctor) in a position of trust
Note: Sexual assault in its most serious forms (often
classified as first degree sexual assault) involves
nonconsensual sexual penetration. In its less serious forms it
may be the equivalent of statutory rape.
Sexual Battery
The actual intentional striking of someone, with intent to
harm, or in a "rude and insolent manner" even if the
injury is slight. Negligent or careless unintentional contact
is not battery no matter how great the harm. Battery is a
crime and also the basis for a lawsuit as a civil wrong if
there is damage.
Sexual
Harassment
Unwanted sexual approaches (including touching, feeling,
groping) and/or repeated unpleasant, degrading and/or sexist
remarks directed toward an employee with the implied
suggestion that the target's employment status, promotion or
favorable treatment depend upon a positive response and/or
"cooperation." Sexual harassment is a private
nuisance, unfair labor practice or, in some states, a civil
wrong (tort) which may be the basis for a lawsuit against the
individual who made the advances and against the employer who
did not take steps to halt the harassment. A legal secretary
recently won an award of more than $3 million against a
prominent law firm in California for not controlling a partner
notorious for his sexual harassment of female employees.
Stalking
Stalking laws in most states
pertain to a relatively new crime involving a clear pattern of
conduct in which the offender follows, harasses, or threatens
another person, putting that person in fear for his or her
safety. An individual may be charged with stalking regardless
of any pre-existing relationship with the victim. Stalking
victims can range from celebrities to former spouses who have
obtained a protective order against their ex.
Sodomy
This is another sexual act that is still illegal in
many States. This is also called anal intercourse.
Spousal Rape
Yes. One can rape their spouse. Again,
the best advice here is to listen for the "no"
or "stop" warning.
Statutory Rape
This is sex with a minor. The age of majority
may vary from State to State (most are at 18 years, but
some are as low as 16 years). It is irrelevant if
the perpetrator is over or under the age requirement for
statutory rape themselves. If they are, then both
parties can be charges with statutory rape. |
