Sexual Conduct with a Child Under 12 Flashcards
Section and Penalty
Section 132(1), (2), or (3) CA61
14, 10, or 10 Years Imp
Elements
- Everyone who
- (1) Has sexual connection with
- (2) Attempts to have sexual connection with
- (3) Does an indecent act on
- A child
Sexual Connection
S2 CA61
Sexual connection means—
(a) connection effected by the introduction into the genitalia or anus of one person,otherwise than for genuine medical purposes, of—
(i) a part of the body of another person; or
(ii) an object held or manipulated by another person; or
(b) connection between the mouth or tongue of one person and a part of another person’s genitalia or anus; or
(c) the continuation of connection of a kind described in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b)
Introduction/Penetration
S2(1A) CA61
Introduction and penetration have the same meaning. Introduction to the slightest degree is enough to effect a connection.
Proof of penetration is required
Proof may be provided by:
- Complainants evidence
- Medical examinations (DNA, injuries)
- Accused’s admissions
Genitalia
S2 CA61
Genitalia includes a surgically constructed or reconstructed organ, analogous to a naturally occurring male or female genitalia (whether the person concerned is male, female or of indeterminate sex).
R v Koroheke
Genitalia
R v Koroheke
The genitalia comprise the reproduction organs, interior and exterior…. they include the vulva and the labia, both interior and exterior at the opening of the vagina.
Penis
S2 CA61
Penis includes a surgically constructed or reconstructed organ analogous to a naturally occurring penis (whether the person concerned is male, female or of indeterminate sex).
Indecent Act
Legislation
For the purposes of this Act, one person does an indecent act on another person whether he or she—
S2(1B) CA61
For the purposes of this Act, one person does an indecent act on another person whether he or she—
(a) does an indecent act with or on the other person; or
(b) induces or permits the other person to do an indecent act with or on him or her.
R v Court
Indecency means “conduct that right-thinking people will consider an affront to the sexual modesty of [the complainant]”.
Child
S132(6) CA61
In this section,—
(a) child means a person under the age of 12 years
R v Forrest and Forrest
Proving Age
“The best evidence possible in the circumstances should be adduced by the prosecution in proof of [the victim’s] age.”
In practice this generally involves producing the complainant’s birth certificate in conjunction with independent evidence that identifies the complainant as the person named in the certificate.
If such an act is done with the consent of the child, it is immaterial whether:
- the offender does the act on the child
- the child does the act on the offender
- the act is mutual.
Not a defence
Legislation
S132(4) and (5) CA61
(4) It is not a defence to a charge under this section that the person charged, believed that the child was of or over the age of 12 years.
(5) It is not a defence to a charge under this section that the child consented.
No Presumption because of Age
S127 CA61
There is no presumption of law that a person is incapable of sexual connection because of his or her age.