In New York statutory rape, which statement is true?

In New York statutory rape, which statement is true?

• A. Strict liability; Sexual intercourse; Victim under 17; Defendant over 21
• B. Strict liability; Sexual intercourse; Victim under 17; Defendant under 21
• C. Strict liability; Sexual intercourse; Victim under 18; Defendant over 21
• D. Knowledge-based liability for age

Answer: (A)

New York statutory rape is a strict liability offense: the defendant is guilty for sexual intercourse with a person under 17, regardless of whether the defendant knew or believed the victim was underage. The age threshold for the victim is 17, and the offender must be at least 21. So the true statement is that it’s strict liability, involves sexual intercourse, the victim is under 17, and the defendant is over 21. The other options misstate either the victim’s age (under 18), the defendant’s required age (under 21), or assert a knowledge-based liability that does not apply here.

New York statutory rape is a strict liability offense: the defendant is guilty for sexual intercourse with a person under 17, regardless of whether the defendant knew or believed the victim was underage. The age threshold for the victim is 17, and the offender must be at least 21. So the true statement is that it’s strict liability, involves sexual intercourse, the victim is under 17, and the defendant is over 21. The other options misstate either the victim’s age (under 18), the defendant’s required age (under 21), or assert a knowledge-based liability that does not apply here.