Criminal
Aug. 29, 2012
In the spotlight: what is the legal definition of rape?
Statements made by Missouri Rep. Todd Akin last week ignited a firestorm of public comment in connection with of one of the most insidious crimes in our society - rape.
Wendy L. Patrick
Wendy is a California lawyer, past chair and advisor of the California State Bar Ethics Committee (Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct), and past chair of the San Diego County Bar Association Legal Ethics Committee. Any opinions expressed here are her own, and do not reflect that of her employer. This article does not constitute legal advice.
The comments made by Missouri Rep. Todd Akin last week ignited a firestorm of public comment in connection with of one of the most insidious crimes in our society - rape. Even the term rape evokes a visceral reaction, which has characterized much of the discussion and debate over the last week in response to Akin's now infamous statements during a televised interview. One of the most significant parts of the discussion has focused on the legal definition of rape - and how it diffe...
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