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Court OpinionsState LawsAlabama US Code1 USC - General Provisions US Constitution |
18 USC 2243 - Sexual abuse of a minor or wardLegal Research Home > US Code > Crimes and Criminal Procedure > 18 USC 2243 - Sexual abuse of a minor or ward Sec. 2243. Sexual abuse of a minor or ward(a)Of a Minor.— Whoever, in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison, or in any prison, institution, or facility in which persons are held in custody by direction of or pursuant to a contract or agreement with the head of any Federal department or agency, knowingly engages in a sexual act with another person who— (1) has attained the age of 12 years but has not attained the age of 16 years; and (2) is at least four years younger than the person so engaging; or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both. (b) Of a Ward.— Whoever, in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison, or in any prison, institution, or facility in which persons are held in custody by direction of or pursuant to a contract or agreement with the head of any Federal department or agency, knowingly engages in a sexual act with another person who is— (1) in official detention; and (2) under the custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority of the person so engaging; or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both. (c) Defenses.— (1) In a prosecution under subsection (a) of this section, it is a defense, which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant reasonably believed that the other person had attained the age of 16 years. (2) In a prosecution under this section, it is a defense, which the defendant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence, that the persons engaging in the sexual act were at that time married to each other. (d) State of Mind Proof Requirement.— In a prosecution under subsection (a) of this section, the Government need not prove that the defendant knew— (1) the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act; or (2) that the requisite age difference existed between the persons so engaging. Sections: Previous 2233 2234 2235 2236 2237 2241 2242 2243 2244 2245 2246 2247 2248 2251 2251A Next Last modified: July 21, 2011 |
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