Common law statutorily rape is best described as which?

Common law statutorily rape is best described as which?

• A. Strict liability; Sexual intercourse; Victim under age
• B. Requires intent to have intercourse with a minor
• C. Victim over the age of consent
• D. Mistake about age is a defense

Answer: (A)

Statutory rape under common law is a strict liability offense: the crime is sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent, and the defendant’s knowledge or intent about the victim’s age does not matter. The essential elements are the act itself and the victim being under the age threshold. Mistake about the victim’s age is not a defense, and having the intention to have intercourse with a minor is not required to convict. If the victim is not under the age of consent, there is no statutory rape charge.

Statutory rape under common law is a strict liability offense: the crime is sexual intercourse with a person under the age of consent, and the defendant’s knowledge or intent about the victim’s age does not matter. The essential elements are the act itself and the victim being under the age threshold. Mistake about the victim’s age is not a defense, and having the intention to have intercourse with a minor is not required to convict. If the victim is not under the age of consent, there is no statutory rape charge.