Sexual Conduct with a Young Person Under 16 Flashcards
Section and Penalty
Section 134(1), (2), or (3) CA61
10, 10, or 7 Years Imp
Elements
- Everyone who
- (1) Has sexual connection with
- (2) Attempts to have sexual connection with
- (3) Does an indecent act on
- A young person
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)
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]”.
Young Person
Legislation
S134(6) CA61
In this section,—
(a) young person means a person under the age of 16 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.
Cannot be convicted
Legislation
S134(4) and (5) CA61
(4) No person can be convicted of a charge under this section if he or she was married to the young person concerned at the time of the sexual connection or indecent act concerned.
(5) The young person in respect of whom an offence against this section was committed cannot be charged as a party to the offence if the person who committed the offence was of or over the age of 16 years when the offence was committed.
No Presumption because of Age
Legislation
S127 CA61
There is no presumption of law that a person is incapable of sexual connection because of his or her age.
Statutory Defence
Legislation
Section 134A, CA61
(1) It is a defence to a charge under section 134 if the person charged proves that,—
(a) before the time of the act concerned, he or she had taken reasonable steps to find out whether the young person concerned was of or over the age of 16 years; and
(b) at the time of the act concerned, he or she believed on reasonable grounds that the young person was of or over the age of 16 years; and
(c) the young person consented.