If you are facing Allegations of sexual assault
This guide can help
Table of Contents
Why Hire a Military Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
Understanding Military Law Enforcement Interrogations for Article 120, UCMJ Offenses
False Confessions
Our Philosophies for Preparing a Military Sexual Assault Defense
Article 32 Preliminary Hearings
Basic Defenses
False Allegations Under Article 120, UCMJ
Motives to Lie Under Article 120, UCMJ
How to Evaluate the Credibility and Content of a Complainant's Statement
Developing a Theory of the Case in Military Sexual Assault Cases
The Mistake of Fact Defense Under Article 120, UCMJ
Alcohol and Blackout Cases
DNA in Article 120, UCMJ Cases
Military Rule of Evidence 412 - MRE 412 The Military Rape Shield Law
Considerations for Deciding Whether to Testify
Thoughts on the Silence Penalty
Jury Instructions for Article 120, UCMJ
Summaries of Article 120 Cases Before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Sample Government Counterintuitive Behaviors Direct Examination
Sample Direct Examination of Defense Expert Used to Counter Government Counterintuitive Behaviors Experts
Sex Offender Registration
Why Hire a Military Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
Understanding Military Law Enforcement Interrogations for Article 120, UCMJ Offenses
False Confessions
Our Philosophies for Preparing a Military Sexual Assault Defense
Article 32 Preliminary Hearings
Basic Defenses
False Allegations Under Article 120, UCMJ
Motives to Lie Under Article 120, UCMJ
How to Evaluate the Credibility and Content of a Complainant's Statement
Developing a Theory of the Case in Military Sexual Assault Cases
The Mistake of Fact Defense Under Article 120, UCMJ
Alcohol and Blackout Cases
DNA in Article 120, UCMJ Cases
Military Rule of Evidence 412 - MRE 412 The Military Rape Shield Law
Considerations for Deciding Whether to Testify
Thoughts on the Silence Penalty
Jury Instructions for Article 120, UCMJ
Summaries of Article 120 Cases Before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
Sample Government Counterintuitive Behaviors Direct Examination
Sample Direct Examination of Defense Expert Used to Counter Government Counterintuitive Behaviors Experts
Sex Offender Registration
why hire a military sexual assault defense lawyer
The law pertaining to sexual assault has undergone near constant revision since 2006—when Congress first began reorganizing Article 120, UCMJ.
Mr. Conway and Mr. Myers have co-authored a textbook on military crimes and defenses that includes lengthy discussion on this topic. We are among the most experienced military sexual assault lawyers in practice.
The law has changed so much that involving counsel early in the process is extremely important. Additionally, the consequences of sex offender registration are increasingly severe.
Some of the changes over the last few years involve Article 32 Investigations. The new rules have rendered them, in some cases, insignificant as a tool of discovery because the alleged victim is not likely to be present at the hearing for cross-examination. The prosecutors are going to object to defense counsel's cross-examination and presentation of evidence at every opportunity. The result is that the impact of defense counsel is more important than ever. With alleged victims receiving the assistance of Victim's Legal Counsel it is unlikely that defense counsel will have many opportunities to cross-examine the alleged victim before trial. This means that experience is paramount.
Understanding THE PROCESS IN Article 120, UCMJ Offenses
How is the investigation initiated? Either the victim or a mandatory reporter contacts law enforcement. All of the military law enforcement departments (CID, OSI, NCIS, CGIS) have similar regulations. The law is the same for every branch. Internal policies may differ slightly. For example, some branches video record suspect interviews, other branches do not. The policies on video recording change over time depending on leadership.
The CID regulation below is a helpful guide for all of the branches because the basic process is similar. The general steps are as follows:
1. Once law enforcement receives information, a supervisor decides whether CID, OSI, NCIS, or CGIS respectively should accept responsibility for the case.
2. A casefile is initiated and assigned a case number. A preliminary investigation is often conducted to determine whether credible information exists to believe that a crime was committed.
3. If law enforcement determines there is credible information (they often do), then a Report of Investigation is initiated. An ROI number is assigned.
4. A detailed statement is taken from the complainant or alleged victim.
5. Other pertinent witnesses are interviewed.
6. Physical evidence is collected or processed.
7. Termination of the Report of Investigation occurs when probable cause - or lack of - is determined.
8. The supporting Staff Judge Advocate typically opines on whether sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the offense.
How will I (or the suspect) be notified? In a sexual assault case, the suspect is likely to be interrogated shortly after the complainant is interviewed. The notification may come as a surprise. A senior enlisted member or the commander will probably inform you that you have to go to law enforcement to talk. You do not have to talk.
Pretext phone calls, text messages, or conversations? An increasingly common tactic by law enforcement is to use pretext communications between the alleged victim and accused to obtain incriminating statements. Be wary of any conversations with an alleged victim. Here are some clues that it may be a pretext phone call:
-Complainant sends a text that she or he needs to talk. If the request is urgent, they might be with law enforcement at the time;
-Be extremely cautions if you are approached in person in a hallway, parking lot, or other isolated situation. The complainant could have a recording device;
-Conversation starts off with awkward small talk;
-The conversation abruptly switches to the alleged sexual encounter;
-The complainant might make comments like: "What happened the other night?", "Why did you have sex with me while I was drunk?", "I don't remember what happened?", "Why did you sexually assault me?";
-A law enforcement agent could be with the alleged victim possibly prompting their questions;
-Questions will be repeated and persistent. If you deny the allegations, the complainant will keep asking the same variations of the questions until an incriminating statement is made. They will not easily give up if law enforcement is prompting them;
-Complainant might be emotional. Resist the temptation to give a generic or broad apology. That apology will get twisted into an apology for sexual assault;
-If you are suspicious of the conversation, politely state that you are unable to talk at the time and then consult with a lawyer. Common justifications for not being able to talk might include work, running errands, family obligations, the gym, or other daily tasks. Stay polite and patient because it's probably being recorded.
What are my rights?
1. You have the right to remain silent.
2. You have the right to speak to an attorney, whether or not you committed a crime.
3. You have the right to have an attorney by your side when you talk to any investigator or anyone in your chain of command.
4. You have the right to refuse a polygraph examination.
5. You have the right to refuse consenting to searches.
The United States Constitution and Article 31 (b) of the UCMJ requires rights advisements before interrogations or requests for statements. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (C.A.A.F.) has repeatedly recognized that rights advisements have a particular significance in the military because the effect of “superior rank or official position upon one subject to military law, [is such that] the mere asking of a question under [certain] circumstances is the equivalent of a command.” United States v. Harvey, 37 M.J. 143 (C.M.A. 1993).
Under Article 31(b) “No person . . . may interrogate, or request any statement from, an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing him of the nature of the accusation . . . . “
Rule 305(c) of the Military Rules of Evidence, further clarifies, “A person subject to the code who is required to give warnings under Article 31 may not interrogate or request any statement from an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first: (1) [i]nforming the accused or suspect of the nature of the accusation . . . .” This means that any military member that suspects you of an offense has to advise you of your rights.
The case law reiterates, “The accused must be made aware, however, of the general nature of the allegation. The warning must include the area of suspicion and sufficiently orient the accused toward the circumstances surrounding the event.” United States v. Huelsman, 27 M.J. 511, 513 (A.C.M.R. 1988) (citing United States v. Schultz, 19 U.S.C.M.A. 31, 41 C.M.R. 31 (C.M.A. 1970); United States v. Reynolds, 16 U.S.C.M.A. 403, 37 C.M.R. 23 (C.M.A. 1966)). See also United States v. Pipkin, 58 M.J. 358, 360 (C.A.A.F. 2003) (quoting United States v. Simpson, 54 M.J. 281, 284 (C.A.A.F. 2000)) (holding that the suspect has a right to know the general nature of the allegation).
The Article 31(b) warning requirements can apply to civilian investigators working with the military. Mil. R. Evid. 305(c) applies to civilians (1) “[w]hen the scope and character of the cooperative efforts demonstrate that the two investigations merged into an invisible entity” and (2) “when the civilian investigator acts in furtherance of any military investigation, or in any sense as an instrument of the military[.]” United States v. Payne, 47 M.J. 37, 42 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (citing United States v. Quillen, 27 M.J. 312, 314 (C.M.A. 1988).
The CID regulation below is a helpful guide for all of the branches because the basic process is similar. The general steps are as follows:
1. Once law enforcement receives information, a supervisor decides whether CID, OSI, NCIS, or CGIS respectively should accept responsibility for the case.
2. A casefile is initiated and assigned a case number. A preliminary investigation is often conducted to determine whether credible information exists to believe that a crime was committed.
3. If law enforcement determines there is credible information (they often do), then a Report of Investigation is initiated. An ROI number is assigned.
4. A detailed statement is taken from the complainant or alleged victim.
5. Other pertinent witnesses are interviewed.
6. Physical evidence is collected or processed.
7. Termination of the Report of Investigation occurs when probable cause - or lack of - is determined.
8. The supporting Staff Judge Advocate typically opines on whether sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the offense.
How will I (or the suspect) be notified? In a sexual assault case, the suspect is likely to be interrogated shortly after the complainant is interviewed. The notification may come as a surprise. A senior enlisted member or the commander will probably inform you that you have to go to law enforcement to talk. You do not have to talk.
Pretext phone calls, text messages, or conversations? An increasingly common tactic by law enforcement is to use pretext communications between the alleged victim and accused to obtain incriminating statements. Be wary of any conversations with an alleged victim. Here are some clues that it may be a pretext phone call:
-Complainant sends a text that she or he needs to talk. If the request is urgent, they might be with law enforcement at the time;
-Be extremely cautions if you are approached in person in a hallway, parking lot, or other isolated situation. The complainant could have a recording device;
-Conversation starts off with awkward small talk;
-The conversation abruptly switches to the alleged sexual encounter;
-The complainant might make comments like: "What happened the other night?", "Why did you have sex with me while I was drunk?", "I don't remember what happened?", "Why did you sexually assault me?";
-A law enforcement agent could be with the alleged victim possibly prompting their questions;
-Questions will be repeated and persistent. If you deny the allegations, the complainant will keep asking the same variations of the questions until an incriminating statement is made. They will not easily give up if law enforcement is prompting them;
-Complainant might be emotional. Resist the temptation to give a generic or broad apology. That apology will get twisted into an apology for sexual assault;
-If you are suspicious of the conversation, politely state that you are unable to talk at the time and then consult with a lawyer. Common justifications for not being able to talk might include work, running errands, family obligations, the gym, or other daily tasks. Stay polite and patient because it's probably being recorded.
What are my rights?
1. You have the right to remain silent.
2. You have the right to speak to an attorney, whether or not you committed a crime.
3. You have the right to have an attorney by your side when you talk to any investigator or anyone in your chain of command.
4. You have the right to refuse a polygraph examination.
5. You have the right to refuse consenting to searches.
The United States Constitution and Article 31 (b) of the UCMJ requires rights advisements before interrogations or requests for statements. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (C.A.A.F.) has repeatedly recognized that rights advisements have a particular significance in the military because the effect of “superior rank or official position upon one subject to military law, [is such that] the mere asking of a question under [certain] circumstances is the equivalent of a command.” United States v. Harvey, 37 M.J. 143 (C.M.A. 1993).
Under Article 31(b) “No person . . . may interrogate, or request any statement from, an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing him of the nature of the accusation . . . . “
Rule 305(c) of the Military Rules of Evidence, further clarifies, “A person subject to the code who is required to give warnings under Article 31 may not interrogate or request any statement from an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first: (1) [i]nforming the accused or suspect of the nature of the accusation . . . .” This means that any military member that suspects you of an offense has to advise you of your rights.
The case law reiterates, “The accused must be made aware, however, of the general nature of the allegation. The warning must include the area of suspicion and sufficiently orient the accused toward the circumstances surrounding the event.” United States v. Huelsman, 27 M.J. 511, 513 (A.C.M.R. 1988) (citing United States v. Schultz, 19 U.S.C.M.A. 31, 41 C.M.R. 31 (C.M.A. 1970); United States v. Reynolds, 16 U.S.C.M.A. 403, 37 C.M.R. 23 (C.M.A. 1966)). See also United States v. Pipkin, 58 M.J. 358, 360 (C.A.A.F. 2003) (quoting United States v. Simpson, 54 M.J. 281, 284 (C.A.A.F. 2000)) (holding that the suspect has a right to know the general nature of the allegation).
The Article 31(b) warning requirements can apply to civilian investigators working with the military. Mil. R. Evid. 305(c) applies to civilians (1) “[w]hen the scope and character of the cooperative efforts demonstrate that the two investigations merged into an invisible entity” and (2) “when the civilian investigator acts in furtherance of any military investigation, or in any sense as an instrument of the military[.]” United States v. Payne, 47 M.J. 37, 42 (C.A.A.F. 1997) (citing United States v. Quillen, 27 M.J. 312, 314 (C.M.A. 1988).
What if I previously provided consent to search? You can revoke a consent to search at any time.
How is my interrogation likely to proceed? Many interrogations proceed in the following manner:
1. Agents notify your command that they desire to speak with you.
2. Senior enlisted leadership might escort you to law enforcement offices.
3. Because you are escorted to law enforcement offices, most military members believe that you have to stay there. You are free to leave. If you ask agents whether you are free to leave, they should say yes.
4. You might spend a significant amount of time in a waiting room.
5. After a waiting period, they will move you to another room. In that room, they might take your basic biographical data. If they collect fingerprints, DNA, and photographs, then you are likely being titled. You need to consult with a lawyer immediately if that happens.
6. One - maybe two - agents will begin small talk with you to build rapport. They will ask you questions about where you are from, what you like to do, or perhaps generic questions about military life. This is rapport building. They are not your friend.
7. The agent will advise of the offenses for which you are suspected. Pay careful attention. It may not be perfectly specific. It might not even include all of the offenses. SAMPLE RIGHTS WARNING FORM.
8. The rights warning form does not advise that you are free to leave. Unless you are under arrest, you are free to leave.
9. If you agree to talk, the agent will begin asking questions. If you ask for a lawyer, the interrogation will terminate.
10. If you agree to talk, inquire as to whether the interrogation is being recorded or not.
11. If the agent is seeking a written statement, the interrogation will likely start with a narrative conversation about the allegations before any written statement is taken.
12. Sometimes the agent will allow the accused to sit at a computer and type a narrative statement.
13. Narrative portions of written statements will likely be followed by a question and answer portion. In that section, the agent will sit at the computer and type the questions and answers.
How do I invoke my rights? We typically advise people to use the following language "Sir or ma'am, I would like to cooperate, but under the circumstances I am invoking my Article 31 and 5th Amendment Rights and am requesting an attorney." If they ask any clarifying questions make certain that you state you are invoking your Article 31 and 5th Amendment Rights and would like to speak to an attorney.
Common interrogation tactics? There is a section on false confessions below that discusses tactics. This section will be brief.
1. Direct confrontation. Giving the person an opportunity to explain why an offense took place.
2. Shifting blame. The agent will try and trick the accused into false themes or defenses to get the accused to confess. They might propose that the accused drank too much, had some lack of memory, or that they accused believed the complainant was consenting. They might offer alternative reasons for why the offense was committed or give socially acceptable reasons why the offense was committed.
3. Minimizing denials.
4. More aggressive agents might reject denials. Or they might exaggerate or even lie about the evidence they have.
New tactics that we are seeing? Work in progress.
1. We recently have seen two cases where NCIS asked a suspected young Marine to write an apology letter to the complainant during the interrogation. Both Marines wrote the apology letter.
How is my interrogation likely to proceed? Many interrogations proceed in the following manner:
1. Agents notify your command that they desire to speak with you.
2. Senior enlisted leadership might escort you to law enforcement offices.
3. Because you are escorted to law enforcement offices, most military members believe that you have to stay there. You are free to leave. If you ask agents whether you are free to leave, they should say yes.
4. You might spend a significant amount of time in a waiting room.
5. After a waiting period, they will move you to another room. In that room, they might take your basic biographical data. If they collect fingerprints, DNA, and photographs, then you are likely being titled. You need to consult with a lawyer immediately if that happens.
6. One - maybe two - agents will begin small talk with you to build rapport. They will ask you questions about where you are from, what you like to do, or perhaps generic questions about military life. This is rapport building. They are not your friend.
7. The agent will advise of the offenses for which you are suspected. Pay careful attention. It may not be perfectly specific. It might not even include all of the offenses. SAMPLE RIGHTS WARNING FORM.
8. The rights warning form does not advise that you are free to leave. Unless you are under arrest, you are free to leave.
9. If you agree to talk, the agent will begin asking questions. If you ask for a lawyer, the interrogation will terminate.
10. If you agree to talk, inquire as to whether the interrogation is being recorded or not.
11. If the agent is seeking a written statement, the interrogation will likely start with a narrative conversation about the allegations before any written statement is taken.
12. Sometimes the agent will allow the accused to sit at a computer and type a narrative statement.
13. Narrative portions of written statements will likely be followed by a question and answer portion. In that section, the agent will sit at the computer and type the questions and answers.
How do I invoke my rights? We typically advise people to use the following language "Sir or ma'am, I would like to cooperate, but under the circumstances I am invoking my Article 31 and 5th Amendment Rights and am requesting an attorney." If they ask any clarifying questions make certain that you state you are invoking your Article 31 and 5th Amendment Rights and would like to speak to an attorney.
Common interrogation tactics? There is a section on false confessions below that discusses tactics. This section will be brief.
1. Direct confrontation. Giving the person an opportunity to explain why an offense took place.
2. Shifting blame. The agent will try and trick the accused into false themes or defenses to get the accused to confess. They might propose that the accused drank too much, had some lack of memory, or that they accused believed the complainant was consenting. They might offer alternative reasons for why the offense was committed or give socially acceptable reasons why the offense was committed.
3. Minimizing denials.
4. More aggressive agents might reject denials. Or they might exaggerate or even lie about the evidence they have.
New tactics that we are seeing? Work in progress.
1. We recently have seen two cases where NCIS asked a suspected young Marine to write an apology letter to the complainant during the interrogation. Both Marines wrote the apology letter.
These are old versions of CID and NCIS regulations. It is very difficult to get law enforcement and the government to release these documents. They do not simply release them through the discovery process. Changes over time are incremental. These are still useful guides.
philosophies for preparing a military sexual assault defense
Despite the changes in the law, we still have tremendous success in sexual assault cases. We have success because experience has taught this firm to remain committed to a couple of philosophies:
1) Developing a motive to lie by the alleged victim or a reason to misremember. Military juries are educated and analytical by their nature. They frequently consider themselves to be strong judges of character. As such, they will be looking for an explanation from the defense as to why the alleged victim is lying or incorrect about the events in question. Presentation of this evidence cannot be over emphasized. Common motives to lie are discussed below.
2) Identifying potential jurors that are likely to be favorable to our client. We remain committed to communicating with those jurors through the presentation of evidence to ensure we get the votes needed for an acquittal.
3) Working with the client to identify key facts demonstrating innocence. We stay committed to the narrative that we create with the client. In many cases, the alleged victim has claimed that critical events occurred that are uncorroborated. We keep it simple. Military juries want a simple story that makes sense.
4) Aggressively challenge the accuser's story. We use kindness to examine the alleged victim in a way that aggressively challenges her story and always strive to retain the moral high ground for unjustly accused service members.
5) Expertly prepare the accused for the possibility that he may testify. Sometimes the testimony of the accused in a sexual assault case is critical.
Nearly all of the changes in the law have been designed to dilute the rights of the accused, increase the privacy rights of the alleged victim, and broaden the definitions and classes of offenses punishable.
Prosecutors are more aggressive than ever and have more resources than ever. If there is any good news, it is that military juries still have a healthy skepticism about false allegations. In other words, being accused of sexual assault is scary, but these cases can be defensible.
More about the decision whether or not to testify is discussed below.
False confessions
- Direct confrontation. Advise the suspect that the evidence has led the police to the individual as a suspect. Offer the person an early opportunity to explain why the offense took place.
- Try to shift the blame away from the suspect to some other person or set of circumstances that prompted the suspect to commit the crime. That is, develop themes containing reasons that will psychologically justify or excuse the crime. Themes may be developed or changed to find one to which the accused is most responsive. In sexual assault cases, this often involves the agent proposing that alcohol, lack of memory, or mistake of fact contributed to the sex.
- Try to minimize the frequency of suspect denials.
- At this point, the accused will often give a reason why he or she did not or could not commit the crime. Try to use this to move towards the acknowledgement of what they did.
- Reinforce sincerity to ensure that the suspect is receptive.
- The suspect will become quieter and listen. Move the theme discussion towards offering alternatives. If the suspect cries at this point, infer guilt.
- Pose the "alternative question", giving two choices for what happened; one more socially acceptable than the other. The suspect is expected to choose the easier option but whichever alternative the suspect chooses, guilt is admitted. As stated above, there is always a third option which is to maintain that they did not commit the crime.
- Lead the suspect to repeat the admission of guilt in front of witnesses and develop corroborating information to establish the validity of the confession.
- Document the suspect's admission or confession and have him or her prepare a recorded statement (audio, video or written).
There are generally three broad factors that can influence whether a person confesses:
-External Pressure - the coercive nature of the interrogation environment (fear of being locked up if they don't confess);
-Internal Pressure - feelings of guilt or even relief from confessing; and/or,
-Perception of Proof - the suspect believing that there is no point in denying it because of the proof.
There are several police tactics that are known to increase the likelihood of a false confession:
-the agent repeatedly stating - with great confidence - his belief in the suspect's guilt;
-concealing information that contradicts the interrogator's premise from the suspect;
-lengthy interrogations with emotional intensity;
-claims of scientific proof of guilt;
-repeated reminders that the suspect could have memory problems because of blackouts or alcohol;
-the interrogator demanding that the suspect accept his or her premises and explain the offense; and,
-the interrogator inducing fear of consequences in the mind of the suspect.
-the agent repeatedly stating - with great confidence - his belief in the suspect's guilt;
-concealing information that contradicts the interrogator's premise from the suspect;
-lengthy interrogations with emotional intensity;
-claims of scientific proof of guilt;
-repeated reminders that the suspect could have memory problems because of blackouts or alcohol;
-the interrogator demanding that the suspect accept his or her premises and explain the offense; and,
-the interrogator inducing fear of consequences in the mind of the suspect.
In the literature there are at least three personality traits that can increase the likelihood of a false confession.
- Trust of people in authority;
- Lack of self-confidence in one's memory; and,
- Heightened suggestibility.
- Lack of self-confidence in one's memory; and,
- Heightened suggestibility.
For more information on false confessions, the Al Nasser University has posted online an important book from the Wiley Series on the Psychology of Crime - "The Psychology of Interrogations and Confessions."
See also, "False Confessions: Causes, Consequences, and Implications."
False confessions do happen. We see news reports all the time of inmates that confessed who are later exonerated by advances in DNA testing. The question is, why do people falsely confess to crimes. In false confession cases, we have experts in psychology that we rely on to explain why the accused falsely confessed.
There are different models of police interrogations. But generally, all interrogations of a suspect are going to use a couple of tactics to compel a suspect to confess:
-Appealing to the suspect's conscious;
-Pointing out contradictions in the denial or story;
-Offer moral justifications or excuses for the offense (this is popular in alcohol-related cases); or,
-Use of praise and flattery.
One of the most popular interrogation techniques in the military is the Reid Technique. Many law enforcement agencies currently disavow the Reid Technique. There is a belief that it leads to false confessions. The reality, however, is that countless agents are taught the Reid Technique and use it either intentionally or subconsciously. The technique has nine steps that we frequently see in military interrogations.
basic defenses to Article 120, UCMJ
There was no sexual act;
There was a consensual sexual act;
The accused mistakenly believed the sexual act was consensual (mistake of fact); or,
Alibi.
There was a consensual sexual act;
The accused mistakenly believed the sexual act was consensual (mistake of fact); or,
Alibi.
In every contested sexual assault case, there are basically only four possible defenses. Basic defenses to Article 120, UCMJ are generally limited to:
FALSE ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER ARTICLE 120, UCMJ
We are writing about this topic from the perspective of a defense attorney. Our firm has represented military members accused of sexual assault as well as victims of sexual assault. We do our very best to help those that ask us for help. This includes victims. Representing both accused members and victims requires an understanding of both false allegations of sexual assault and literature related to victimization.
Not all sexual assault allegations are false. But, we know from our practice that there are many examples of false accusations. In 2017, we did an appeal for a Soldier that served almost 5 years of a 15 year sentence for rape. After 5 years, the alleged victim - out of guilt - recanted. We eventually got the Soldier released from confinement. The alleged victim had an affair. She was in a physically abusive marriage. When her husband confronted her about cheating, she lied and said she was raped to avoid being beaten. The husband pushed the case towards prosecution. False accusations do happen.
There is very little research into false allegations of sexual assault. It is a toxic subject area. In most cases, there is very little evidence to corroborate either side of the story.
In cases where there was a consensual sexual act, it can sometimes be important to understand a woman's sexual motivations for engaging in the sexual act. There is some interesting literature on this point. The Clinical Psychologist Cindy Meston and Evolutionary Psychologist David Buss wrote a book in 2009 about women's motivations for consensual sex.
- Meston, Cindy M., and David M. Buss. 2009. Why women have sex: understanding sexual motivations from adventure to revenge (and everything in between). New York: Times Books.
Using interviews with women, they identified over 237 "distinct sexual motivations that covered an astonishing variety of psychological nuance." The motivations ranged from boredom to revenge. The book has a chapter on using sex out of a sense of duty, mate poaching, adventure, curiosity, exchange (job, promotion, raise, etc), ego boost, pleasure, and more.
Chapter 10 discusses "The Dark Side." Sexual deception and even violence by men. Men use sexual deception quite often as well (concealing relationships with other women, exaggerating work ambitions, misrepresenting level of commitment, etc). The book does cover the topic of abuse.
In terms of statistics of false allegations, one study publicly available is "False Allegations of Sexual Assault: An Analysis of Ten Years of Reported Cases." That study puts the prevalence of false allegations between 2% and 10%. That tends to be the consensus in the literature.
Another one of the most cited articles is in the March 2012 publication of the Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice called "Pathways to False Allegations of Sexual Assault." The full citation is at the end of this blog.
The authors in that study rightly note that there is rarely any unequivocal evidence, which makes discerning the truth challenging. The authors also rightly observed that sometimes there can be pathways to false allegations that result from mental health issues.
The authors proposed 11 forensic psychology pathways (processes) to false allegations of sexual assault that are helpful to defense lawyers. I have taken those pathways and added some considerations to help provide a framework for lawyers.
Psychological pathways to false allegations
1) lying;
(a) core discrepancies in the narrative;
(b) secondary gain.
2) implied consent (and mistake of fact);
(a) whether the alleged victim engaged in behaviors that can plausibly and reasonably be interpreted as providing consent.
3) false memories;
(a) were suggestive interviewing techniques used;
(b) did government officials push the alleged victim to try and remember information harder; and,
(c) did family members or friends implant subtle incorrect information;
4) intoxication;
(a) evidence of voluntary behaviors and choices;
(b) evidence of high levels of cognitive function; and,
(c) confabulation to fill gaps in memory.
5) antisocial personality disorder;
(a) failures to conform to social norms regarding lawful behaviors;
(b) confirmed deceit or fraud;
(c) irritability and aggressiveness; and,
(d) lack of remorse.
6) borderline personality disorder;
(a) quickly switching from idealization to devaluation of relationship; and,
(b) evidence of extreme feelings of abandonment.
7) histrionic personality disorder;
(a) always has to be the center of attention. Uses sex for attention providing a novel and exciting that are stimulating;
(b) frequently inappropriate and provocative;
(c) style of speech that lacks details;
(d) easily influenced; and,
(e) commonly views relationship as more intimate than they really are.
8) delirium;
(a) medical related; and,
(b) substance-abuse withdrawal related.
9) psychotic disorders;
(a) schizophrenia.
10) disassociation; and,
(a) childhood trauma;
(b) before or after the allegations; and,
(c) significant errors in recall likely.
11) intellectual disability
(a) often the perpetrator is a peer service user; and,
(b) possible memory issues.
(a) core discrepancies in the narrative;
(b) secondary gain.
2) implied consent (and mistake of fact);
(a) whether the alleged victim engaged in behaviors that can plausibly and reasonably be interpreted as providing consent.
3) false memories;
(a) were suggestive interviewing techniques used;
(b) did government officials push the alleged victim to try and remember information harder; and,
(c) did family members or friends implant subtle incorrect information;
4) intoxication;
(a) evidence of voluntary behaviors and choices;
(b) evidence of high levels of cognitive function; and,
(c) confabulation to fill gaps in memory.
5) antisocial personality disorder;
(a) failures to conform to social norms regarding lawful behaviors;
(b) confirmed deceit or fraud;
(c) irritability and aggressiveness; and,
(d) lack of remorse.
6) borderline personality disorder;
(a) quickly switching from idealization to devaluation of relationship; and,
(b) evidence of extreme feelings of abandonment.
7) histrionic personality disorder;
(a) always has to be the center of attention. Uses sex for attention providing a novel and exciting that are stimulating;
(b) frequently inappropriate and provocative;
(c) style of speech that lacks details;
(d) easily influenced; and,
(e) commonly views relationship as more intimate than they really are.
8) delirium;
(a) medical related; and,
(b) substance-abuse withdrawal related.
9) psychotic disorders;
(a) schizophrenia.
10) disassociation; and,
(a) childhood trauma;
(b) before or after the allegations; and,
(c) significant errors in recall likely.
11) intellectual disability
(a) often the perpetrator is a peer service user; and,
(b) possible memory issues.
The authors cautioned against a simplistic reading of their research. Part of the purpose of their research was also to call attention to the fact that there is not enough research on the topic.
Jessica Engle BA & William O'Donohue PhD (2012) Pathways to False Allegations of Sexual Assault, Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 12:2, 97-123, DOI: 10.1080/15228932.2012.650071
Jessica Engle BA & William O'Donohue PhD (2012) Pathways to False Allegations of Sexual Assault, Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice, 12:2, 97-123, DOI: 10.1080/15228932.2012.650071
A 2017 study titled "Motives for Filing False Allegations of Rape" (available online) identified 8 motives for filing false claims.
Motives for filing false claims (de zutter et al study)
Material gain
Alibi
Revenge
Sympathy / Emotional gain
Attention
Disturbed mental state
Relabeling
Regret
In this study, to test the validity of the list, a sample of 57 proven false allegations were studied at and provided by the National Unit of the Dutch National Police (NU). In the study, complainants were primarily motivated by emotional gain. Most false allegations were used to cover up other behavior. Some complainants, however, reported more than one motive. A large proportion, 20% of complainants, said that they did not know why they filed a false allegation. The results confirm the complexity of motivations for filing false allegations.
De Zutter, André & Horselenberg, Robert & Koppen, Peter. (2017). Motives for Filing a False Allegation of Rape. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 47. 10.1007/s10508-017-0951-3.
Alibi
Revenge
Sympathy / Emotional gain
Attention
Disturbed mental state
Relabeling
Regret
In this study, to test the validity of the list, a sample of 57 proven false allegations were studied at and provided by the National Unit of the Dutch National Police (NU). In the study, complainants were primarily motivated by emotional gain. Most false allegations were used to cover up other behavior. Some complainants, however, reported more than one motive. A large proportion, 20% of complainants, said that they did not know why they filed a false allegation. The results confirm the complexity of motivations for filing false allegations.
De Zutter, André & Horselenberg, Robert & Koppen, Peter. (2017). Motives for Filing a False Allegation of Rape. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 47. 10.1007/s10508-017-0951-3.
Literature on Force Fantasies
Psychology Today Article on Rape Fantasies
Shulman, JL and SG Horne. “Guilty or Not? A Path Model of Women’s Forceful Sexual Fantasies,” Journal of Sex Research (2006) 43:368.
Bivona, JM et al. “Women’s Rape Fantasies: An Empirical Evaluation of the Major Explanations,” Archives of Sexual Behavior (2012) 41:1107.
Bivona, JM and. “The Nature of Women’s Rape Fantasies: An Analysis of Prevalence, Frequency, and Contents,” Journal of Sex Research (2009) 46:33.
Critelli, JW and JM Bivona. “Women’s Erotic Rape Fantasies: An Evaluation of Theory and Research,” Journal of Sex Research (2008) 45:57.
Spitzberg, B. “An Analysis of Empirical Estimates of Sexual Aggression Victimization and Perpetration,” Violence and Victims (1999) 14:241.
Strassberg, DS and LK Lokerd,” Force in Women’s Sexual Fantasies,” Archives of Sexual Behavior (1998) 27:403.
Psychology Today Article on Rape Fantasies
Shulman, JL and SG Horne. “Guilty or Not? A Path Model of Women’s Forceful Sexual Fantasies,” Journal of Sex Research (2006) 43:368.
Bivona, JM et al. “Women’s Rape Fantasies: An Empirical Evaluation of the Major Explanations,” Archives of Sexual Behavior (2012) 41:1107.
Bivona, JM and. “The Nature of Women’s Rape Fantasies: An Analysis of Prevalence, Frequency, and Contents,” Journal of Sex Research (2009) 46:33.
Critelli, JW and JM Bivona. “Women’s Erotic Rape Fantasies: An Evaluation of Theory and Research,” Journal of Sex Research (2008) 45:57.
Spitzberg, B. “An Analysis of Empirical Estimates of Sexual Aggression Victimization and Perpetration,” Violence and Victims (1999) 14:241.
Strassberg, DS and LK Lokerd,” Force in Women’s Sexual Fantasies,” Archives of Sexual Behavior (1998) 27:403.
motives to lie in article 120, ucmj cases
From our own experiences, these are motives to lie that we have seen in military cases. Unlike the studies above, this is anecdotal and based on experience.
Relationships
-to preserve a relationship.
-to preserve a reputation.
-alibi - e.g. to avoid domestic assault from a jealous significant other.
Children and Citizenship
-to obtain child custody.
-citizenship.
Career
-to avoid getting in trouble.
-for financial gain.
-for any other secondary gain - e.g. PCS orders.
-to obtain the benefits of victim status in the military.
-the consequences for the accused are poorly understood (e.g. the alleged victim thought the accused would only get an Article 15).
Personal Reasons
-to maintain or create self-identity.
-spite or revenge for a personal reason.
-because of a personality conflict.
-because of a personality disorder or attention-seeking.
One of the leading research groups on deception is the Paul Ekman Group. Their site has an excerpt from the book "Telling Lies" with 9 motives for lying from their research.
See also, the Psychology Today article "6 Reasons People Lie When they Don't Need to."
See also, the Psychology Today article "6 Reasons People Lie When they Don't Need to."
Evaluating the credibility and content of a complainant's statement
When evaluating the content of a complainant's report to law enforcement, we assess a number of factors:
General Characteristics of the Complaint
1. Logical structure and internal consistency. Whether the sequence of events makes sense. Whether the statement contains contradictions.
2. Spontaneous production - (if the narrative is overly organized it could suggestive of a false statement).
3. Quantity of details or lack of details.
Specific Content of the Complaint
4. Descriptions of interactions with other individuals. Whether those interactions are corroborated.
5. Reproduction of conversation. Whether those conversations are corroborated.
6. Whether complainant recounts any unexpected complications.
7. Whether the narrative contains any descriptions of events that are of peripheral interest.
8. Whether the statement includes any unusual or superflous details.
9. Whether there are any accounts of mental states - including the accused.
10. Description of sensory perceptions.
11. Whether any descriptions of intoxicated behavior are consistent with the amount of alcohol consumed.
Motivation Related Content
12. Any narrative corroborating motives to fabricate.
13. Spontaneous corrections.
14. Admitting lack of memory.
15. Raising self-doubt about their own testimony.
16. Self-depreciation
17. Language pardoning the accused.
developing a theory of the case in military sexual assault cases
In an Article 120, UMCJ case prosecutor's will likely develop a case-theory that involves concepts of:
-Power and control of the victim; or,
-Targets of opportunity to gratify lust and sexual desire.
-Power and control of the victim; or,
-Targets of opportunity to gratify lust and sexual desire.
A case theory is a short, succinct statement of the theme the trial. Once a potential motive to lie is identified, it is useful to use that motive to develop a theory of the case.
Good case theories invoke emotion. They inform the panel that the case is about. In the past, a common defense theory was that the complainant simply regretted the sex. That defense is based on a rape myth that prosecutors are getting better at dispelling. Our firm prefers to focus on core discrepancies in the narrative and the secondary gain from telling the lie. Some examples of case theories might include:
-Revenge;
-Exploitation or manipulation for secondary gain;
-Alibi;
-Drunk sex or regrettable consensual sex;
-A lie to save a relationship;
-Reasonable mistake (distorted perception - perception is reality);
-Attention-seeking or to gain sympathy;
-A lie to obtain sole custody over children.
the mistake of fact defense under article 120, ucmj
5-11-2:
The evidence has raised the issue of (ignorance) (mistake) on the part of the accused concerning ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake) in relation to the offense(s) of ( state the alleged offense(s)).
The accused is not guilty of the offense of (__________) if:
(1) (he) (she) ((did not know) (mistakenly believed)) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake) and
(2) if such (ignorance) (belief) on (his) (her) part was reasonable.
To be reasonable the (ignorance) (belief) must have been based on information, or lack of it, which would indicate to a reasonable person that __________. (Additionally, the (ignorance) (mistake) cannot be based on a negligent failure to discover the true facts.)
(Negligence is the absence of due care. Due care is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the accused's (age) (education) (experience) (__________) along with the other evidence on this issue, (including, but not limited to ( here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides )).
The burden is on the prosecution to establish the accused's guilt. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused was not (ignorant of the fact) (under the mistaken belief) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake), the defense of (ignorance) (mistake) does not exist. Even if you conclude that the accused was (ignorant of the fact) (under the mistaken belief) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake), if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused's (ignorance) (mistake) was unreasonable, the defense of (ignorance) (mistake) does not exist.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused's state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense. On the question of whether the accused's (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused's intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
The evidence has raised the issue of (ignorance) (mistake) on the part of the accused concerning ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake) in relation to the offense(s) of ( state the alleged offense(s)).
The accused is not guilty of the offense of (__________) if:
(1) (he) (she) ((did not know) (mistakenly believed)) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake) and
(2) if such (ignorance) (belief) on (his) (her) part was reasonable.
To be reasonable the (ignorance) (belief) must have been based on information, or lack of it, which would indicate to a reasonable person that __________. (Additionally, the (ignorance) (mistake) cannot be based on a negligent failure to discover the true facts.)
(Negligence is the absence of due care. Due care is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the accused's (age) (education) (experience) (__________) along with the other evidence on this issue, (including, but not limited to ( here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides )).
The burden is on the prosecution to establish the accused's guilt. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused was not (ignorant of the fact) (under the mistaken belief) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake), the defense of (ignorance) (mistake) does not exist. Even if you conclude that the accused was (ignorant of the fact) (under the mistaken belief) that ( state the asserted ignorance or mistake), if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused's (ignorance) (mistake) was unreasonable, the defense of (ignorance) (mistake) does not exist.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused's state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense. On the question of whether the accused's (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused's intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
The mistake of fact defense is found in Rule for Courts-Martial 916.
The best explanation comes from the Army Judge's Benchbook - instruction 5-11-2. These are the jury instructions on mistake of fact that most military juries receive in all branches:
alcohol and blackout military sexual assault cases
A sexual assault involving intoxicants in the military is defined as:
A sexual assault involving intoxicants in the military is defined as:
"Any person subject to this [Article 120, UCMJ] who –
commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to –
-impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or,
-a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by that person;
is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial shall direct."
commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to –
-impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or,
-a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by that person;
is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial shall direct."
The typical military sexual assault fact-pattern includes a victim who claims a lack of memory related to the sexual act. They will nearly always remember the act of penetration. That's an element of the offense. Their memories related to other aspects of offense can be lacking.
The inconsistencies in many sexual assault victims' memories instantly raises a question as to whether enough alcohol or drugs were consumed to cause memory deficiencies.
The thought process is that:
1. The alleged victim did not drink enough alcohol to cause memory deficits;
2. The alleged victim is therefore being deceptive about his or her lack of memory; and,
3. Therefore, the alleged victim cannot be trusted.
Reliable evidence as to alcohol consumption is sometimes difficult to obtain. If you are in the military and charged with sexual assault, your lawyer is going to want to try and reconstruct the timeline and history of drinking on the night in question. You can help your lawyer by obtaining evidence like:
1. Bank records that might indicate how much money was spent on alcohol;
2. Photographs or videos from the night in question;
3. Social media posts from the night in question;
4. The identity of witnesses - especially sober witnesses - who can help reconstruct drinking histories;
5. Locations of establishments that may have security footage.
Once we are able to estimate how much alcohol was consumed in a period of time, we'll probably run a simple blood alcohol content calculation. The reason we care about up front BAC estimates, is because experts will often say that blackout events can be expected at BAC concentrations upwards of 0.15. So if the victim's alcohol consumption puts them at lower than 0.15, I'm immediately skeptical as to any memory deficits. That's not to say the person is lying. We're simply going to investigate further.
Eventually, we'll want to obtain the services of a doctor or expert qualified to testify about the effects of alcohol on memory.
BAC calculations based on breathalyzers or drinking estimates are imperfect. They are based on arithmetic extrapolation. The machine takes a reading. The reading is then converted into a number with a high correlative value to blood samples. The generally accepted conversion factor is 2.1. That factor may not apply to every individual.
To understand how alcohol affects memory, you first need a model of how memory works. There are different models. It's not terribly important to understand. One says that memories are formed in stages ranging from sensory formation, to short term memory, and then long term. There's another model that concludes that the ability to form long term memories depends on how long the information is stored in short term memory.
Regardless of the model, we all seem to agree that alcohol interferes with our ability to form long-term memories. As alcohol consumption increases, so does impairment. Large amounts of alcohol can cause fragmentary or complete memory deficits. Otherwise known as blackouts and alcohol induced amnesia.
The mechanism of how these impairments occur is not completely understood. The basic model says that alcohol disrupts the hippocampus (the part of the brain central in forming memories).
Blackout are really misunderstood. It's important for the lawyer and expert to craft a good direct examination that helps the jury understand the science. A blackout is an event where a person can voluntarily participate in an event, but cannot remember it. Some studies have put intoxicated individuals in driving simulators. They were able to drive, but could not remember aspects of the drive.
This is "anterograde" amnesia. They can't form new memories, but it does not erase previously formed memories. The key, however, is that they can engage in these tasks voluntarily.
Typical Questions for a Doctor about Blackouts
A typical series of questions for the doctor might include:
Direct Examination
Doctor where are you currently employed?
Were you ever on active duty in any of the services?
Please outline your educational and clinical experience?
Do you hold any active state medical licenses?
Are you board certified in any particular aspects of medical practice?
Can you please tell the members the nature of forensic psychiatry?
Do you hold any academic titles?
Are you a member of any national or international professional organizations?
Have you been or are you currently an officer in any those organizations?
Have you ever been given awards for your professional achievements?
Have you published any scientific papers or book chapters related to psychiatry or forensic psychiatry? Have you given lectures at scientific meetings?
Have you ever been qualified as an expert in military courts martial? How many times?
Have you ever NOT been recognized by the court as an expert witness?
Do you always work for the defense?
How is it decided which team you are assigned to?
Doctor, what education and clinical training have you received with regard to the effects of alcohol on human behavior, thought processes, and memory?
Have you ever had any clinical duties specifically related to alcohol use?
Are the effects of alcohol consumption well accepted within the medical community?
Are they described in medical textbooks as well as in scientific reports?
Of the cases you have testified in, roughly what percentage have involved the use of alcohol, either by the accused or by witnesses in the case?
Request that the doctor be accepted as an expert in forensic psychiatry and an expert in the effects of alcohol behavior, thought processes, and memory.
DIRECT:
Doctor, will you please outline the materials that you have reviewed in preparing for this case?
And you have heard all of the testimony presented at trial?
Can you outline the first effects on people after they begin to consume alcohol? [disninhibition – impairment in judgment, impulsive, not weigh the future consequences of one’s actions]
Disinhibition – would you say that in that state someone would be more prone to do or say things that they would otherwise not do or say if not under the effects of alcohol?
What are some examples of things that people do as a consequence of disinhibition due to the effects of alcohol?
When people do these things – are they doing them voluntarily?
Do they have the capacity to decide whether or not to do those things?
Is it common for people who engage in activities while intoxicated to be embarrassed about those acts later?
What happens in terms of thinking and behavior if someone continues to drink alcohol?
How would they appear to others?
If a person continues to drink can it have an effect on level of consciousness?
We have head the term passing out – what is that from your professional perspective?
How does it differ from simply being asleep?
Doctor, what does the term “blacking out” mean?
How commonly does it occur?
How do individuals who are in a black out appear to others?
Could other individuals know whether someone is in a blackout state or not?
So when a person is in a black out state, does it mean that they cannot make decisions about what to do or not to do?
Do they have the capacity to decide to do some things and not others?
What are some examples things people do while in black out states?
Can they subsequently have regrets and remorse?
How would their emotional response appear after realizing what they may have consented to when intoxicated appear compared to the emotional response of someone who experienced a traumatic event to which they had not consented?
When individuals engage in behaviors, but have no memory of major components of such behaviors, how do they make sense of it?
Can individuals who have been in a blackout firmly believe and state with conviction that the circumstances of the evening were different than what they actually were?
When a person clears from being in a blackout and has only partial memories of what actually occurred, does their memory get clearer and more specific with the passage of time?
With the passage of time how do the memories from a truly remembered traumatic event compare with those from a reconstructed memory?
Did you see anything in your review of the case file that indicates that the alleged victim was in a blackout during portions of the evening prior to the alleged charges?
Please explain.
A typical series of questions for the doctor might include:
Direct Examination
Doctor where are you currently employed?
Were you ever on active duty in any of the services?
Please outline your educational and clinical experience?
Do you hold any active state medical licenses?
Are you board certified in any particular aspects of medical practice?
Can you please tell the members the nature of forensic psychiatry?
Do you hold any academic titles?
Are you a member of any national or international professional organizations?
Have you been or are you currently an officer in any those organizations?
Have you ever been given awards for your professional achievements?
Have you published any scientific papers or book chapters related to psychiatry or forensic psychiatry? Have you given lectures at scientific meetings?
Have you ever been qualified as an expert in military courts martial? How many times?
Have you ever NOT been recognized by the court as an expert witness?
Do you always work for the defense?
How is it decided which team you are assigned to?
Doctor, what education and clinical training have you received with regard to the effects of alcohol on human behavior, thought processes, and memory?
Have you ever had any clinical duties specifically related to alcohol use?
Are the effects of alcohol consumption well accepted within the medical community?
Are they described in medical textbooks as well as in scientific reports?
Of the cases you have testified in, roughly what percentage have involved the use of alcohol, either by the accused or by witnesses in the case?
Request that the doctor be accepted as an expert in forensic psychiatry and an expert in the effects of alcohol behavior, thought processes, and memory.
DIRECT:
Doctor, will you please outline the materials that you have reviewed in preparing for this case?
And you have heard all of the testimony presented at trial?
Can you outline the first effects on people after they begin to consume alcohol? [disninhibition – impairment in judgment, impulsive, not weigh the future consequences of one’s actions]
Disinhibition – would you say that in that state someone would be more prone to do or say things that they would otherwise not do or say if not under the effects of alcohol?
What are some examples of things that people do as a consequence of disinhibition due to the effects of alcohol?
When people do these things – are they doing them voluntarily?
Do they have the capacity to decide whether or not to do those things?
Is it common for people who engage in activities while intoxicated to be embarrassed about those acts later?
What happens in terms of thinking and behavior if someone continues to drink alcohol?
How would they appear to others?
If a person continues to drink can it have an effect on level of consciousness?
We have head the term passing out – what is that from your professional perspective?
How does it differ from simply being asleep?
Doctor, what does the term “blacking out” mean?
How commonly does it occur?
How do individuals who are in a black out appear to others?
Could other individuals know whether someone is in a blackout state or not?
So when a person is in a black out state, does it mean that they cannot make decisions about what to do or not to do?
Do they have the capacity to decide to do some things and not others?
What are some examples things people do while in black out states?
Can they subsequently have regrets and remorse?
How would their emotional response appear after realizing what they may have consented to when intoxicated appear compared to the emotional response of someone who experienced a traumatic event to which they had not consented?
When individuals engage in behaviors, but have no memory of major components of such behaviors, how do they make sense of it?
Can individuals who have been in a blackout firmly believe and state with conviction that the circumstances of the evening were different than what they actually were?
When a person clears from being in a blackout and has only partial memories of what actually occurred, does their memory get clearer and more specific with the passage of time?
With the passage of time how do the memories from a truly remembered traumatic event compare with those from a reconstructed memory?
Did you see anything in your review of the case file that indicates that the alleged victim was in a blackout during portions of the evening prior to the alleged charges?
Please explain.
Blackout Factors
Although blackouts usually are caused by heavy drinking, there are other factors that we want to look at. Common factors that can cause a rapid rise in BAC include:
-History of blackouts;
-Lack of food consumption; and,
-Rate of alcohol consumption.
Scientific studies put blackout thresholds at between .14 and .20 BAC. (See the Goodwin and Ryback studies). I usually go with .15.
If our reconstruction of the alleged victim's drinking history is below that BAC threshold, we're really going to continue examining motivations to lie. I'm always careful to caveat that not all victims are lying. Some are telling the truth. It's important as defense attorneys, however for us to conduct or own investigation and examination of the evidence.
DNA in Article 120, ucmj cases
More often than not, DNA is not a major factor in military sexual assault defenses. In most cases, the accused has made a statement to law enforcement admitting that a sex act occurred. In those cases, we are dealing with questions of consent.
It is still important, however, for counsel to understand DNA. In a case where DNA was found, but the accused denies committing the offense, there are basically only four explanations.
Possible Exculpatory Explanations for the Presence of DNA
1. False positive (mislabeling samples, cross-contamination, transference);
2. Kinship (the DNA is from a relative);
3. Coincidence (an unrelated person with a similar profile);
4. DNA is present for innocent reasons (the suspect lives at the crime scene); or,
5. Investigator or analyst misconduct.
1. False positive (mislabeling samples, cross-contamination, transference);
2. Kinship (the DNA is from a relative);
3. Coincidence (an unrelated person with a similar profile);
4. DNA is present for innocent reasons (the suspect lives at the crime scene); or,
5. Investigator or analyst misconduct.
What is DNA? DNA is in the form of tightly coiled strands called chromosomes, found inside the cell nucleus. There are 46 chromosomes in a human cell arranged in 22 autosomal (non-sex chromosome) pairs and two sex chromosomes (XY for males and XX for females). It is composed of the four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). DNA is held together by hydrogen bonds that connect specific pairs of these molecules together: A–T and G–C. The arrangement of these molecules, called the DNA sequence, spells out the instructions for our physical characteristics and body functions. These instructions are found in units called genes.
How is DNA extracted? DNA is found in the nucleus of a cell. DNA is collected from a cheek (buccal) swab sample by breaking open the cells and separating the DNA from the other parts of the cell.
What is Polymerase Chain Reaction? Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR, is a technique that allows the generation of millions of copies of targeted areas (loci) in the DNA. PCR harnesses the cell’s ability to replicate DNA before cell division, but in a test tube. Once DNA is extracted, it is combined with chemicals to support the PCR reaction including primers which are small pieces of synthetic DNA labeled with florescent tags that flank the region to analyze as well as the DNA building blocks (A, T, C, G) and an enzyme to support the replication of the DNA (DNA polymerase). This is accomplished using an instrument known as a thermocycler that heats and cools the DNA. Each round of heating and cooling doubles the amount of DNA at the target locations, so that after 28 cycles of heating and cooling over a million copies of each starting DNA are present.
What is Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis? STR loci are used for relationship analysis, including paternity, maternity, and siblingship testing. STR loci contain a 4-letter DNA repeat. The number of repeats can vary. There are two copies of each of the STR loci. For relationship testing analysts examines 20 different STR loci plus a locus that indicates gender.
-Forensic Detection of Semen
-The transfer and persistence of DNA under the fingernails following digital penetration of the vagina
-Analysis of Secondary DNA Transfer
military rule of evidence 412 (MRE 412) - the military rape shield law
Mil. R. Evid. 412 limits the extent to which an accused in a sexual assault case can introduce evidence regarding the alleged victim’s prior sexual behavior. Sometimes MRE 412 can be critical to presenting a motive to lie or misremember It is important for counsel to understand how to apply the rule. The rule carves out three exceptions.
Under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (b)(1), the following evidence is admissible:
(A) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged victim offered to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence;
(B) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged victim with respect to the person accused of the sexual misconduct offered by the accused to prove consent...; and
(C) evidence the exclusion of which would violate the constitutional rights of the accused.
In analyzing admissibility, the military judge must first determine whether the evidence is relevant under Mil. R. Evid. 401, and then apply the balancing test under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (c)(3).
Under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (b)(1)(C), the accused has a right to present evidence that is relevant, material, and favorable to his defense. United States v. Banker, 60 M.J. 216 (C.A.A.F. 2004). In applying the rule, the military judge is not asked determine whether the proferred evidence is true, it is for the members to weigh the evidence and determine its veracity. Id.
In determining whether evidence is material, the military judge looks at 'the importance of the issue for which the evidence was offered in relation to the other issues in the case; the extent to which this issue is in dispute; and the nature of the other evidence in the case pertaining to this issue. Banker, 60 M.J at 222 (quoting United States v. Colon-Angueira, 16 M.J. 20, 26 (C.M.A. 1983)). Under the rule, the term favorable is synonymous with “vital.” Id.
Important MRE 412 Cases
Relevance of Extramarital Relationships (Lying to Protect a Relationship)
Evidence of an extramarital relationship can be relevant, material, and favorable to the defense theory of the case when it shows that the alleged victim would lie to protect the relationship. See generally, United States v. Williams, 37 M.J. 352 (C.M.A. 1993).
Evidence may also be constitutionally required when the alleged victim has a motive to testify falsely to explain to her boyfriend why she was with another individual. United States v. Sanchez, 44 M.J. 174, 179 (C.A.A.F. 1996).
In a prosecution for rape and sodomy, evidence of an prior extramarital affair of the alleged victim, including her husband’s reaction to it, had a direct and substantial link to the victim’s credibility, namely a motive to protect her marriage. United States v. Ellerbrock, 70 M.J. 314.
Appellant, who was charged with rape, was entitled to cross-examine the victim, his wife, about her relationship with another man and about her phone call to that man immediately after the underlying rape incident, where appellant wanted to establish that the relationship with the man was a motive for the victim to fabricate the rape allegation and the proposed line of questioning did not involve allegations of sexual behavior that would implicate the exclusionary rule of MRE 412; cross-examination of this man may have established a motive for the victim to fabricate her allegation of rape, and the military judge erred in excluding this cross-examination. United States v. Roberts, 69 M.J. 23
Even assuming that evidence that the victim was previously involved in consensual sexual relations with an enlisted member was relevant in the prosecution of appellant for sexual misconduct with the victim, the confrontation clause did not entitle him to cross-examine the victim about that prior relationship; although the victim’s credibility was in dispute, knowledge of the exact nature of her indiscretion in relation to the other issues in the case was not important where the military judge allowed appellant to present a fairly precise and plausible theory of bias, i.e., that the victim lied to preserve a secret which if revealed could have an adverse impact on her military career, including possibly disciplinary action under the UCMJ; while the victim’s credibility was in contention, it is unclear why the lurid nuances of her sexual past would have added much to appellant’s extant theory of fabrication. United States v. Smith, 68 M.J. 445.
Previous False Accusations of Sexual Assault
Evidence of an alleged victim's prior accusation of sexual assault is only admissible if the prior accusation is shown to be false. It can also be admissible under M.R.E. 404 (b) as modus operandi, motive, or character for truthfulness evidence.United States v. Erikson, 76 M.J. 231.
Lying to Protect a Reputation
The prosecution opened the door to cross-examination of the victim with respect to a prior complaint of sexual assault that the defense contended was fabricated to protect her reputation, where the prosecution introduced evidence of the victim’s prior complaint to bolster her credibility with respect to the reasons for her delayed reporting of the charged offense, thereby benefiting the prosecution. United States v. Savala, 70 M.J. 70.
Procedure for Admissibility under Banker
United States v. Banker, 60 MJ 216
MRE 412, the rape shield evidence rule precluding admission of evidence of the sexual history of sexual assault victims, was intended to safeguard the alleged victim against the invasion of privacy and potential embarrassment that is associated with public disclosure of intimate sexual details and the infusion of sexual innuendo into the fact-finding process; by affording victims protection in most instances, the rule encourages victims of sexual misconduct to institute and to participate in legal proceedings against alleged offenders; MRE 412 was intended to protect victims of sexual offenses from the degrading and embarrassing disclosure of intimate details of their private lives while preserving the constitutional rights of the accused to present a defense.
The purpose of the MRE 412 rape shield law is to protect alleged victims of sexual offenses from undue examination and cross-examination of their sexual history; MRE 412 is a rule of exclusion; MRE 412 is broader in its reach than its federal counterpart; under MRE 412, not only is evidence of the alleged victim’s sexual propensity generally inadmissible, evidence offered to prove an alleged victim engaged in other sexual behavior is also generally excluded.
In order to overcome the exclusionary purpose of MRE 412, an accused must demonstrate why the general prohibition in MRE 412 should be lifted to admit evidence of the sexual behavior of the victim. The rule requires a closed hearing to consider the admission of the evidence; among other things, the victim must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend and be heard at this closed hearing.
Based on the evidence presented at the closed hearing held under MRE 412, the military judge applies a two-part process of review to determine if the evidence is admissible; first, pursuant to MRE 401, the judge must determine whether the evidence is relevant; evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make the existence of any fact more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence; where the military judge determines that evidence is relevant, the judge employs a second analytic step by conducting a balancing test to determine whether the probative value of such evidence outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice; the accused has a right to put on testimony relevant to his theory of defense; however, the right to present relevant testimony is not without limitation; the right may, in appropriate cases, bow to accommodate other legitimate interests in the criminal trial process.
Although a two-part relevance-balance analysis is applicable to all three of the enumerated exceptions to MRE 412, evidence offered under the constitutionally required exception is subject to distinct analysis; while the relevancy portion of this test is the same as that employed for the other two exceptions of the rule, if the evidence is relevant, the military judge must then decide if the evidence offered under the constitutionally required exception is material and favorable to the accused’s defense, and thus whether it is necessary; in determining whether evidence is material, the military judge looks at the importance of the issue for which the evidence was offered in relation to the other issues in this case, the extent to which this issue is in dispute, and the nature of the other evidence in the case pertaining to this issue; after determining whether the evidence offered by the accused is relevant and material, the judge employs the MRE 412 balancing test in determining whether the evidence is favorable to the accused’s defense; while the term favorable may not lend itself to a specific definition, this Court believes that based on Supreme Court precedent and the Court’s own rulings in this area, the term is synonymous with vital.
Although the MRE 412 balancing test bears resemblance to the MRE 403 balancing test, the two tests are distinct. Under the MRE 403 balancing test, a presumption of admissibility exists since the burden is on the opponent to show why the evidence is inadmissible; MRE 403 is a rule of inclusion. In contrast, MRE 412 is a rule of exclusion; the burden of admissibility shifts to the proponent of the evidence to demonstrate why the evidence is admissible. Under MRE 412, the military judge must consider not only the MRE 403 factors such as confusion of the issues, misleading the members, undue delay, waste of time, needless presentation of cumulative evidence, but also prejudice to the victim’s legitimate privacy interests.
MRE 412 does not wholly supplant MRE 403 since the military judge may exclude evidence on MRE 403 grounds even if that evidence would otherwise be admissible under MRE 412.
In applying MRE 412, the judge is not asked to determine if the proffered evidence is true. It is for the members to weigh the evidence and determine its veracity. While evidence of a motive to fabricate an accusation is generally constitutionally required to be admitted, the alleged motive must itself be articulated to the military judge in order for him to properly assess the threshold requirement of relevance.
Mil. R. Evid. 412 limits the extent to which an accused in a sexual assault case can introduce evidence regarding the alleged victim’s prior sexual behavior. Sometimes MRE 412 can be critical to presenting a motive to lie or misremember It is important for counsel to understand how to apply the rule. The rule carves out three exceptions.
Under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (b)(1), the following evidence is admissible:
(A) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged victim offered to prove that a person other than the accused was the source of semen, injury, or other physical evidence;
(B) evidence of specific instances of sexual behavior by the alleged victim with respect to the person accused of the sexual misconduct offered by the accused to prove consent...; and
(C) evidence the exclusion of which would violate the constitutional rights of the accused.
In analyzing admissibility, the military judge must first determine whether the evidence is relevant under Mil. R. Evid. 401, and then apply the balancing test under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (c)(3).
Under Mil. R. Evid. 412 (b)(1)(C), the accused has a right to present evidence that is relevant, material, and favorable to his defense. United States v. Banker, 60 M.J. 216 (C.A.A.F. 2004). In applying the rule, the military judge is not asked determine whether the proferred evidence is true, it is for the members to weigh the evidence and determine its veracity. Id.
In determining whether evidence is material, the military judge looks at 'the importance of the issue for which the evidence was offered in relation to the other issues in the case; the extent to which this issue is in dispute; and the nature of the other evidence in the case pertaining to this issue. Banker, 60 M.J at 222 (quoting United States v. Colon-Angueira, 16 M.J. 20, 26 (C.M.A. 1983)). Under the rule, the term favorable is synonymous with “vital.” Id.
Important MRE 412 Cases
Relevance of Extramarital Relationships (Lying to Protect a Relationship)
Evidence of an extramarital relationship can be relevant, material, and favorable to the defense theory of the case when it shows that the alleged victim would lie to protect the relationship. See generally, United States v. Williams, 37 M.J. 352 (C.M.A. 1993).
Evidence may also be constitutionally required when the alleged victim has a motive to testify falsely to explain to her boyfriend why she was with another individual. United States v. Sanchez, 44 M.J. 174, 179 (C.A.A.F. 1996).
In a prosecution for rape and sodomy, evidence of an prior extramarital affair of the alleged victim, including her husband’s reaction to it, had a direct and substantial link to the victim’s credibility, namely a motive to protect her marriage. United States v. Ellerbrock, 70 M.J. 314.
Appellant, who was charged with rape, was entitled to cross-examine the victim, his wife, about her relationship with another man and about her phone call to that man immediately after the underlying rape incident, where appellant wanted to establish that the relationship with the man was a motive for the victim to fabricate the rape allegation and the proposed line of questioning did not involve allegations of sexual behavior that would implicate the exclusionary rule of MRE 412; cross-examination of this man may have established a motive for the victim to fabricate her allegation of rape, and the military judge erred in excluding this cross-examination. United States v. Roberts, 69 M.J. 23
Even assuming that evidence that the victim was previously involved in consensual sexual relations with an enlisted member was relevant in the prosecution of appellant for sexual misconduct with the victim, the confrontation clause did not entitle him to cross-examine the victim about that prior relationship; although the victim’s credibility was in dispute, knowledge of the exact nature of her indiscretion in relation to the other issues in the case was not important where the military judge allowed appellant to present a fairly precise and plausible theory of bias, i.e., that the victim lied to preserve a secret which if revealed could have an adverse impact on her military career, including possibly disciplinary action under the UCMJ; while the victim’s credibility was in contention, it is unclear why the lurid nuances of her sexual past would have added much to appellant’s extant theory of fabrication. United States v. Smith, 68 M.J. 445.
Previous False Accusations of Sexual Assault
Evidence of an alleged victim's prior accusation of sexual assault is only admissible if the prior accusation is shown to be false. It can also be admissible under M.R.E. 404 (b) as modus operandi, motive, or character for truthfulness evidence.United States v. Erikson, 76 M.J. 231.
Lying to Protect a Reputation
The prosecution opened the door to cross-examination of the victim with respect to a prior complaint of sexual assault that the defense contended was fabricated to protect her reputation, where the prosecution introduced evidence of the victim’s prior complaint to bolster her credibility with respect to the reasons for her delayed reporting of the charged offense, thereby benefiting the prosecution. United States v. Savala, 70 M.J. 70.
Procedure for Admissibility under Banker
United States v. Banker, 60 MJ 216
MRE 412, the rape shield evidence rule precluding admission of evidence of the sexual history of sexual assault victims, was intended to safeguard the alleged victim against the invasion of privacy and potential embarrassment that is associated with public disclosure of intimate sexual details and the infusion of sexual innuendo into the fact-finding process; by affording victims protection in most instances, the rule encourages victims of sexual misconduct to institute and to participate in legal proceedings against alleged offenders; MRE 412 was intended to protect victims of sexual offenses from the degrading and embarrassing disclosure of intimate details of their private lives while preserving the constitutional rights of the accused to present a defense.
The purpose of the MRE 412 rape shield law is to protect alleged victims of sexual offenses from undue examination and cross-examination of their sexual history; MRE 412 is a rule of exclusion; MRE 412 is broader in its reach than its federal counterpart; under MRE 412, not only is evidence of the alleged victim’s sexual propensity generally inadmissible, evidence offered to prove an alleged victim engaged in other sexual behavior is also generally excluded.
In order to overcome the exclusionary purpose of MRE 412, an accused must demonstrate why the general prohibition in MRE 412 should be lifted to admit evidence of the sexual behavior of the victim. The rule requires a closed hearing to consider the admission of the evidence; among other things, the victim must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attend and be heard at this closed hearing.
Based on the evidence presented at the closed hearing held under MRE 412, the military judge applies a two-part process of review to determine if the evidence is admissible; first, pursuant to MRE 401, the judge must determine whether the evidence is relevant; evidence is relevant if it has any tendency to make the existence of any fact more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence; where the military judge determines that evidence is relevant, the judge employs a second analytic step by conducting a balancing test to determine whether the probative value of such evidence outweighs the danger of unfair prejudice; the accused has a right to put on testimony relevant to his theory of defense; however, the right to present relevant testimony is not without limitation; the right may, in appropriate cases, bow to accommodate other legitimate interests in the criminal trial process.
Although a two-part relevance-balance analysis is applicable to all three of the enumerated exceptions to MRE 412, evidence offered under the constitutionally required exception is subject to distinct analysis; while the relevancy portion of this test is the same as that employed for the other two exceptions of the rule, if the evidence is relevant, the military judge must then decide if the evidence offered under the constitutionally required exception is material and favorable to the accused’s defense, and thus whether it is necessary; in determining whether evidence is material, the military judge looks at the importance of the issue for which the evidence was offered in relation to the other issues in this case, the extent to which this issue is in dispute, and the nature of the other evidence in the case pertaining to this issue; after determining whether the evidence offered by the accused is relevant and material, the judge employs the MRE 412 balancing test in determining whether the evidence is favorable to the accused’s defense; while the term favorable may not lend itself to a specific definition, this Court believes that based on Supreme Court precedent and the Court’s own rulings in this area, the term is synonymous with vital.
Although the MRE 412 balancing test bears resemblance to the MRE 403 balancing test, the two tests are distinct. Under the MRE 403 balancing test, a presumption of admissibility exists since the burden is on the opponent to show why the evidence is inadmissible; MRE 403 is a rule of inclusion. In contrast, MRE 412 is a rule of exclusion; the burden of admissibility shifts to the proponent of the evidence to demonstrate why the evidence is admissible. Under MRE 412, the military judge must consider not only the MRE 403 factors such as confusion of the issues, misleading the members, undue delay, waste of time, needless presentation of cumulative evidence, but also prejudice to the victim’s legitimate privacy interests.
MRE 412 does not wholly supplant MRE 403 since the military judge may exclude evidence on MRE 403 grounds even if that evidence would otherwise be admissible under MRE 412.
In applying MRE 412, the judge is not asked to determine if the proffered evidence is true. It is for the members to weigh the evidence and determine its veracity. While evidence of a motive to fabricate an accusation is generally constitutionally required to be admitted, the alleged motive must itself be articulated to the military judge in order for him to properly assess the threshold requirement of relevance.
The decision whether or not to testify in article 120, umcj cases
By far, the toughest decision is whether or not the client will testify. In military courts-martial, I discuss this decision early in the case with the client. I use the following talking points:
1) We are going to plan for the client to testify. The decision is a game-time decision, however. I believe military juries want to hear from the client. I explain to the client up-front that I am aggressive about having my clients testify. You cannot wait until the last minute to prepare to testify. So we start early and often. It's still a game-time decision though.
2) We are going to prepare the client regularly for cross-examination. Preparing a client for cross-examination is one of the best ways to identify weaknesses in the defense case.
3) The actual decision will be made at trial after seeing the government's case.
4) The decision will be based on a cost-benefit analysis incorporating the following time-tested factors for me -
a - I never call a witness - including the client - unless I have to call them to win. Is there some fact that I can only present to the jury through my client?
b - Has my client given any previous statements that are demonstrably false that will be exploited by the government? This is a major reason why it is better to remain silent with law enforcement.
c - Can I get my client's story out through other witnesses?
d - How did the alleged victim perform at trial?
e - Do I sense that the jury has an expectation that the client will testify? This is often the case in he said - she said cases, cases involving kids, sexual assault cases, and cases with high-ranking clients.
f - Does the client want to testify?
g - How well is the client prepared? Does the client have any anxiety or other performance issues that affect their ability to appear credible in front of the jury?
h - Are there any additional allegations that could be exposed to the jury through cross-examination that outweigh the value of the client's testimony?
i - Does the client have a prior criminal record that the jury might learn about? This factor is outweighed if there are parts of my client's story that only he can testify to.
Preparing for cross-examination in a military sexual assault case
Prosecutor Strategies for Cross-Examination
1. Attack the accused
a. Planning of the offense
b. Awareness of or exploitation of victim vulnerabilities
c. Lack of remorse
d. Changes in attitude before complaint
2. Highlight similar offenses or allegations of sexual assault or harassment
3. Focus on provable facts
a. Pretext phone calls
b. DNA
c. Admissions to law enforcement
4. Obtain concessions consistent with victim testimony
a. Admission that sex occurred at a time in place
i. Admission that accused wanted to have sex
ii. Admission that the accused prepared to have sex
iii. Admission that the accused intended to get her alone
iv. Admissions that the victim said no
a. How many times did she say no?
b. Question that manner in which the accused believed that she said yes.
b. Admissions related to intoxication levels
c. Corroboration of other witness testimony
d. Questions about rape myths
5. Levels of intoxication
6. Whether victim was unconscious
1. Attack the accused
a. Planning of the offense
b. Awareness of or exploitation of victim vulnerabilities
c. Lack of remorse
d. Changes in attitude before complaint
2. Highlight similar offenses or allegations of sexual assault or harassment
3. Focus on provable facts
a. Pretext phone calls
b. DNA
c. Admissions to law enforcement
4. Obtain concessions consistent with victim testimony
a. Admission that sex occurred at a time in place
i. Admission that accused wanted to have sex
ii. Admission that the accused prepared to have sex
iii. Admission that the accused intended to get her alone
iv. Admissions that the victim said no
a. How many times did she say no?
b. Question that manner in which the accused believed that she said yes.
b. Admissions related to intoxication levels
c. Corroboration of other witness testimony
d. Questions about rape myths
5. Levels of intoxication
6. Whether victim was unconscious
THoughts on the silence penalty
"The Silence Penalty", by Jeffrey Bellini, looked at raw data comparing cases where defendants did and did not testify. Professor Bellin - of The William and Mary Law School - analyzes the results.
The data is absolutely fascinating:
1) Approximately half of criminal defendants testify.
2) Only 40% of defendants later exonerated by DNA evidence testified.
3) Many defendants chose not to testify out of fear that the jury would learn about prior records.
4) Concerns about juries learning of prior convictions are legitimate. Juries statistically tend to convict in cases with prior convictions.
5) Over 90% of cases are resolved with guilty pleas. In the military, I would say the number is closer to 70%.
6) In cases with no prior record, the conviction rate was about 41% when the defendant testified. The rate was about 70% when they did not testify.
My belief is that the conviction rate is lower in the military when the defendant testifies. Most military clients are screened for good character when they join the service. Military clients generally make for good witnesses.
The article suggests that even disclosure of a prior record can outweigh the penalty of silence. According to a public poll in 2002, 50% of respondents believed that a person who invokes their right not to testify are probably guilty.
People simply don't understand why we have a right to remain silent.
Sometimes when I believe the jury expects the client to testify, I explain to them in my opening statement why there is a right to remain silent. Part of my opening statement goes something like this:
"Members of the panel, some of you may expect the accused to testify. We haven't decided whether he will yet. It's an agonizing decision. You must understand why you have the right to remain silent. The government has all the power and resources. We have none. Some of you might expect an innocent man to want to testify. You would expect him to shout his innocence from the mountain tops. Others might suspect that a person would say anything to save their life, to include lying. There is no way for me to know what you're thinking. For that reason, we place the burden of proof squarely on the government to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt."
Jury instructions for article 120, ucmj
3-45-13. Rape
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object)); (and)
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) using unlawful force against (state the name of the alleged victim) [, to wit: (if alleged in the specification, state the force used)].
(b) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to (state the name of the person alleged), [, to wit: (if alleged in the specification, state the force used)].
(c) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear that (state the name of the person alleged) would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) first rendering (state the name of the alleged victim) unconscious.
(e) administering to (state the name of the alleged victim) a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of (state the name of the alleged victim), thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct; [and]
[(3)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
3–45–14. SEXUAL ASSAULT (ARTICLE 120) Sexual Assault by Causing Bodily Harm
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so by causing bodily harm to (state the name of the alleged victim), to wit: (state the bodily harm alleged); (and)
[(3)] That the accused did so without the consent of (state the name of the alleged victim); (and)
[(3) or (4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault by Threat/Fear, Fraudulent Representation, or Artifice
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object)); (and)
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear;
(b) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose;
(c) inducing a belief by artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person; (and)
[(3)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault When Victim is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; (and)
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; (and)
[(4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault When the Victim is Incapable of Consenting
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability,) (and)
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability); (and)
[(4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The “vulva” is the external genital organs of the female, including the entrance of the vagina and the labia majora and labia minora. “Labia” is the Latin and medically correct term for “lips.”
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the alleged victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
In proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
The threat or fear in this case must be that the alleged victim or another person would be subjected to the wrongful action.
“Bodily harm” means any offensive touching of another, however slight (, including any nonconsensual sexual act or nonconsensual sexual contact).
A “fraudulent representation” is a representation of fact, which the accused knows to be untrue, which is intended to deceive, which does in fact deceive, and which causes the other person to engage in the sexual act(s).
(The fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose need not have been made by the accused to (state the name of the alleged victim). It is sufficient if the accused made such a fraudulent representation to any person, which thereby caused (state the name of the alleged victim) to engage in the sexual act.)
IF CONSENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO NEGATE OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGED OFFENSE, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (The evidence has raised the issue of whether (state the alleged victim’s name) consented to the sexual conduct listed in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___). All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government has proven (the elements of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by/when state the applicable element). Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by/when state the applicable element).
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue shall not constitute consent.
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.)
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)
(A person cannot consent while under threat or fear.)
(A person cannot consent to a sexual act when believing, due to a fraudulent representation, that the sexual act served a professional purpose.)
(A person cannot consent to a sexual act when believing, due to artifice, pretense, or concealment, that the accused was another person.)
Lack of consent may be inferred based on the circumstances. All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent, or whether a person did not resist or ceased to resist only because of another person’s actions.
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.)
(An “incompetent person” is a person who lacks either the mental or physical ability to consent because he or she is: (1) asleep or unconscious; (2) impaired by a drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or (3) suffering from a mental disease or defect or a physical disability.)
(To be able to freely make an agreement, a person must first possess the cognitive ability to appreciate the nature of the conduct in question and then possess the mental and physical ability to make and to communicate a decision regarding that conduct to the other person. However, if the person has the ability to appreciate the conduct and communicate lack of consent, but does not do so out of fear or because of some other external influence counteracting voluntariness, the sexual conduct is not voluntary.)
(A person is “incapable of consenting” when (he/she) lacks the cognitive ability to appreciate the sexual conduct in question or the physical or mental ability to make or to communicate a decision about whether (he/she) agrees to the conduct.).
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (the) specification(s) (___) of (the) (additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that (state the name of the victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that the other person consented to the sexual conduct.
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that the other person consented to the sexual conduct. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense(s). On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
The evidence has raised the issue of voluntary intoxication in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)). With respect to (that) (those) offense(s), I advised you earlier that the government is required to prove that [the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the person alleged) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [(state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance,) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability,) and that condition was known or reasonably should have been known by the accused].
In deciding whether the accused had such knowledge, you should consider the evidence of voluntary intoxication.
The law recognizes that a person’s ordinary thought process may be materially affected when you is under the influence of intoxicants. Thus, evidence that the accused was intoxicated may, either alone or together with other evidence in the case, cause you to have a reasonable doubt that the accused had the required knowledge.
On the other hand, the fact that the accused may have been intoxicated at the time of the offense(s) does not necessarily indicate that you were unable to have the required knowledge because a person may be drunk yet still be aware at that time of your actions and their probable results.
In deciding whether the accused had the required knowledge, you should consider the effect of intoxication, if any, as well as the other evidence in the case.
The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused in fact had the required knowledge, the accused will not avoid criminal responsibility because of voluntary intoxication.
However, on the question of whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)], you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because what a person reasonably should have known refers to what an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have reasonably known under the circumstances of this case.
In summary, voluntary intoxication should be considered in determining whether the accused had actual knowledge that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)]. Voluntary intoxication should not be considered in determining whether the accused "reasonably should have known" that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object)); (and)
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) using unlawful force against (state the name of the alleged victim) [, to wit: (if alleged in the specification, state the force used)].
(b) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to (state the name of the person alleged), [, to wit: (if alleged in the specification, state the force used)].
(c) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear that (state the name of the person alleged) would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) first rendering (state the name of the alleged victim) unconscious.
(e) administering to (state the name of the alleged victim) a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of (state the name of the alleged victim), thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct; [and]
[(3)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
3–45–14. SEXUAL ASSAULT (ARTICLE 120) Sexual Assault by Causing Bodily Harm
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so by causing bodily harm to (state the name of the alleged victim), to wit: (state the bodily harm alleged); (and)
[(3)] That the accused did so without the consent of (state the name of the alleged victim); (and)
[(3) or (4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault by Threat/Fear, Fraudulent Representation, or Artifice
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object)); (and)
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear;
(b) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose;
(c) inducing a belief by artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person; (and)
[(3)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault When Victim is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; (and)
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; (and)
[(4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
Sexual Assault When the Victim is Incapable of Consenting
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim), by causing penetration, however slight, of (state the name of the alleged victim)’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) by (the accused’s (penis) (state other body part)) (a (state object));
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability,) (and)
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability); (and)
[(4)] That the accused did so with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The “vulva” is the external genital organs of the female, including the entrance of the vagina and the labia majora and labia minora. “Labia” is the Latin and medically correct term for “lips.”
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the alleged victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
In proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
The threat or fear in this case must be that the alleged victim or another person would be subjected to the wrongful action.
“Bodily harm” means any offensive touching of another, however slight (, including any nonconsensual sexual act or nonconsensual sexual contact).
A “fraudulent representation” is a representation of fact, which the accused knows to be untrue, which is intended to deceive, which does in fact deceive, and which causes the other person to engage in the sexual act(s).
(The fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose need not have been made by the accused to (state the name of the alleged victim). It is sufficient if the accused made such a fraudulent representation to any person, which thereby caused (state the name of the alleged victim) to engage in the sexual act.)
IF CONSENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO NEGATE OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGED OFFENSE, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (The evidence has raised the issue of whether (state the alleged victim’s name) consented to the sexual conduct listed in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___). All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government has proven (the elements of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by/when state the applicable element). Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by/when state the applicable element).
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance or submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue shall not constitute consent.
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.)
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)
(A person cannot consent while under threat or fear.)
(A person cannot consent to a sexual act when believing, due to a fraudulent representation, that the sexual act served a professional purpose.)
(A person cannot consent to a sexual act when believing, due to artifice, pretense, or concealment, that the accused was another person.)
Lack of consent may be inferred based on the circumstances. All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent, or whether a person did not resist or ceased to resist only because of another person’s actions.
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.)
(An “incompetent person” is a person who lacks either the mental or physical ability to consent because he or she is: (1) asleep or unconscious; (2) impaired by a drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or (3) suffering from a mental disease or defect or a physical disability.)
(To be able to freely make an agreement, a person must first possess the cognitive ability to appreciate the nature of the conduct in question and then possess the mental and physical ability to make and to communicate a decision regarding that conduct to the other person. However, if the person has the ability to appreciate the conduct and communicate lack of consent, but does not do so out of fear or because of some other external influence counteracting voluntariness, the sexual conduct is not voluntary.)
(A person is “incapable of consenting” when (he/she) lacks the cognitive ability to appreciate the sexual conduct in question or the physical or mental ability to make or to communicate a decision about whether (he/she) agrees to the conduct.).
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (the) specification(s) (___) of (the) (additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that (state the name of the victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that the other person consented to the sexual conduct.
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that the other person consented to the sexual conduct. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense(s). On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
The evidence has raised the issue of voluntary intoxication in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)). With respect to (that) (those) offense(s), I advised you earlier that the government is required to prove that [the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the person alleged) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [(state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance,) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability,) and that condition was known or reasonably should have been known by the accused].
In deciding whether the accused had such knowledge, you should consider the evidence of voluntary intoxication.
The law recognizes that a person’s ordinary thought process may be materially affected when you is under the influence of intoxicants. Thus, evidence that the accused was intoxicated may, either alone or together with other evidence in the case, cause you to have a reasonable doubt that the accused had the required knowledge.
On the other hand, the fact that the accused may have been intoxicated at the time of the offense(s) does not necessarily indicate that you were unable to have the required knowledge because a person may be drunk yet still be aware at that time of your actions and their probable results.
In deciding whether the accused had the required knowledge, you should consider the effect of intoxication, if any, as well as the other evidence in the case.
The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused in fact had the required knowledge, the accused will not avoid criminal responsibility because of voluntary intoxication.
However, on the question of whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)], you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because what a person reasonably should have known refers to what an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have reasonably known under the circumstances of this case.
In summary, voluntary intoxication should be considered in determining whether the accused had actual knowledge that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)]. Voluntary intoxication should not be considered in determining whether the accused "reasonably should have known" that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
Summaries of IMPORTANT article 120, ucmj cases before the court of appeals for the armed forces
2017 (October Term)
United States v. Bailey, 77 M.J. 11 - A sexual assault charged under Article 120(b)(3) requires that the victim be incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to impairment by any intoxicant. A person can be awake and conscious and still be incapable of consenting).
United States v. Armstrong, 77 M.J. 465 - In this case, assault consummated by a battery was not a lesser included offense of abusive sexual contact by causing bodily harm where the elements of the former offense were not necessarily included in the latter offense and the specification at issue did not allege facts sufficient to state all of the elements of both offenses; assault consummated by a battery requires bodily harm that was done with unlawful force or violence while abusive sexual contact by bodily harm does not.
2015 (September Term)
United States v. Riggins, 75 M.J. 78 - Appellant was charged with two specifications of sexual assault and three specifications of abusive sexual contact under Article 120, UCMJ, by placing the alleged victim in fear that, through the use or abuse of military position, rank, or authority, he would affect her military career. The military judge convicted appellant of assault consummated by a battery under Article 128, UCMJ, as a lesser included offense of the sexual assault and abusive sexual contact offenses and found that although the alleged victim was not placed in fear of appellant affecting her military career, as charged, she instead was pressured in an unrelenting manner by a servicemember of superior rank into having sex. Assault consummated by a battery was not a lesser included offense of the charged offenses. First, the Article 120, UCMJ, offenses with which appellant was originally charged did not require the government to prove a lack of consent, but the Article 128, UCMJ, offense of which appellant ultimately was convicted did. Second, the original specifications did not include an element requiring that the bodily harm be done with unlawful force or violence, but the Article 128, UCMJ, offense of which appellant ultimately was convicted did. Third, appellant did not receive fair notice of what offense and under what legal theory he was tried and ultimately convicted; as such, appellant’s conviction for assault consummated by a battery violated his constitutional rights to notice and to not be convicted of a crime that is not a lesser included offense of the offenses with which he was charged.
Sample Government Direct examination on counterintuitive behaviors expert questions
Expert testimony cannot be used solely to bolster the credibility of the government’s fact-witnesses by mirroring their version of events; and a military judge must distinguish between an expert witness whose testimony about behaviors of sexual assault victims that are subject to widely held misconceptions will be helpful to the trier of fact, and an expert witness whose testimony will simply mirror the specific facts of the case and serve only to bolster the credibility of a crucial fact witness. United States v. Flesher, 73 M.J. 303 (C.A.A.F. 2014).
That is what the law states about expert witnesses. The unfortunate reality is that the government is often permitted to use experts on counter-intuitive behaviors to explain or dispel rape myths. It is very important for counsel to be prepared to cross-examine these experts. The effect of the expert testimony is often to bolster the credibility of the alleged victim - though the law states that is an impermissible use.
This is a sample of an actual government direct examination of a well-known counter-intuitive behaviors expert. She is quite notorious for testifying for the government. A sample cross-examination is intentionally not provided. Rather than a full transcript, here are the bullet points.
That is what the law states about expert witnesses. The unfortunate reality is that the government is often permitted to use experts on counter-intuitive behaviors to explain or dispel rape myths. It is very important for counsel to be prepared to cross-examine these experts. The effect of the expert testimony is often to bolster the credibility of the alleged victim - though the law states that is an impermissible use.
This is a sample of an actual government direct examination of a well-known counter-intuitive behaviors expert. She is quite notorious for testifying for the government. A sample cross-examination is intentionally not provided. Rather than a full transcript, here are the bullet points.
Qualifications
Review of the Case File
Background on Counterintuitive Victim Behavior
Decision to Report Offense to Law Enforcement
Here is another sample direct examination from prosecutor training materials:
Q. Based on your training and experience, are there common misperceptions about situations of adult sexual violence?
Q. Will you identify prevailing myths or misperceptions concerning adult sexual violence?
A. Rape is committed by strangers. A rape victim will offer utmost physical resistance. A rape victim will recall every detail perfectly. Rape results in visible physical injuries. Rape victims will report it immediately. There is a high incidence of false reports.
Q. What are some of the nonintuitive ways that victim's may respond to sexual assault?
A. Delayed report. Piecemeal or ongoing disclosure. Seemingly inconsistent statements. Non-sequential reporting of events. Minimization of the events or recantation. Lies about some aspects of the events. Anger. Flat affect. Poor coping with drugs, alcohol, or promiscuity. Nervous laughing. Isolation.
Q. How does trauma play a part of a victim's reactions?
A. Trauma affects the chemistry in one’s brain. When someone is in danger, or thinks that are in danger, a series of innate reactions occurs, which prompts the person to either fight, or flee or freeze. These reactions are generated by a set of chemicals which are released as a result of the stress of the trauma. In cases where there are “normal” amounts of stress, a person is not debilitated by the chemical reactions. However, when there is extreme stress (as there is when there is a sexual assault occurring) the amount of the chemical that is released can both damage the brain and inhibit memory functions.
Unlike memories which are non traumatic, and are stored in a logical and verbal fashion, traumatic memories are stored as senses and emotions. Because of this, a person would have trouble reasoning about the traumatic experience, or verbally repeating it, but would recall smells, feelings, images, sounds and tastes.. These memories would tend to be retrieved in pieces, including body memories. The memories can lead to a person shutting down when talking about the assault. And talking about the assault can trigger overwhelming feelings such that the person experiences flashbacks and panic attacks which cause the body to physically respond as if the dangerous situation was again upon them).
- Claims to have treated hundreds of victims of interpersonal violence.
- Will claim experience with Individual or group therapy for treatment recommendations. Has testified on impact of trauma in civilian or sentencing cases. Assisting in preparing victims for court proceedings. Treats and evaluates offenders since 80s. Has a program that treats offenders. Thousands of violent offenders she's treated.
- Most of her testimony is court appointed to determine whether a violent sexual predator. Over 50 courts-martial. Mostly testified for the government. Has been a consultant for the defense but never testified.
- Has been declared an expert in victim dynamics, offender behavior and dynamics, rehabilitative potential and recidivism, clinical psychology. General psychological issues and diagnosis.
- Prosecutor will offer her as an expert in sexual assault victim behaviors and victim offender dynamics.
Review of the Case File
- She typically does not interview witnesses or discuss charges. Does not review file or reports. Blind testimony.
- Will claim her job is to educate to dispel myths or misinformation.
Background on Counterintuitive Victim Behavior
- Claims to be familiar with counterintuitive victim behavior. Its not a clinical term. It's a commonplace to refer to behaviors that run counter to our expectations. Based on rape myths and misperceptions and how victims respond to trauma.
- What are some of those behaviors? Expectations that we think victims should act is to physically resist or fight, report immediately, show anger, not want any contact with offender, immediately understand that it was rape, report to authorities right away or seek legal action, crying for help or attempting to escape as soon as it presents itself.
Decision to Report Offense to Law Enforcement
- Issues impacting decision. Those decisions are faulty ones. Affecting those choices - socialization to aggressions, sexuality, or privacy. Confusion or shame. Cultural issues regarding sexuality - including religion. Maybe a previous history of abuse affecting perception. Victims may have internal issues that affect the decision. External. Trust in services, Access to services, perception of offenders influence in community, level of attachment to offender, excuse making, thinking it's an aberration. Threats from offender, sympathy, apology. Being a provider.
- Pre-existing relationship may make them continue contact with the offender. Attachment and love is primary.
- Victim may go back because of necessity. Contact may be dictated by the situation. They may go back to get answers about what happened.
- Most influential factor for future contact is the relationship with the offender.
- What influences decision to report. First thing is what we mean by reporting. To an official it's done rarely. Often reporting may go to a loved one, friend, sister, in an effort to stop the abuse or understand what has happened. Reporting to law enforcement would make them purposely or accidently report. May be forced official disclosure. May be that the situation is deteriorating. The offender is getting worse. Other attempts to manage abuse are ineffective. May be motivated to protect other people.
- Hypothetical using facts of case likely. Expert will use same factors.
- Disbelief and confusion about what happened. Not see loved one as abuser. They see it as an aberration - caused by drinking, or stress, or jealousy. An issue labelling event. If committed to relationship with hopes and dreams. There may be financial issues involved with expectations. Hope it can be worked through.
- How do periods of episodic abuse affect decision to go forward. Staying is reinforced by positive times. It's easy to leave a relationship 100 percent positive. Using example of slot machine as intermittent reinforcement. Presence of external factor like drinking contributes to belief that if he stops drinking the behaviors will drink.
- Victims who question whether they have a mental disorder. Almost all think there decision to stay, allow, or provoke can cause depression and affect sense of self. Very shameful to be a victim and isolating. Especially if you have been successful in life. The offender can influence reactions by blaming, provoking, or suggesting it was their fault. Offender might torture them with the silent treatment. Offender can disrupt sense of self and reality.
- Victim can feel closer to abuser. They can mistake relief for pleasure when they have to turn to abuser for comfort. Trauma bonding.
Here is another sample direct examination from prosecutor training materials:
Q. Based on your training and experience, are there common misperceptions about situations of adult sexual violence?
Q. Will you identify prevailing myths or misperceptions concerning adult sexual violence?
A. Rape is committed by strangers. A rape victim will offer utmost physical resistance. A rape victim will recall every detail perfectly. Rape results in visible physical injuries. Rape victims will report it immediately. There is a high incidence of false reports.
Q. What are some of the nonintuitive ways that victim's may respond to sexual assault?
A. Delayed report. Piecemeal or ongoing disclosure. Seemingly inconsistent statements. Non-sequential reporting of events. Minimization of the events or recantation. Lies about some aspects of the events. Anger. Flat affect. Poor coping with drugs, alcohol, or promiscuity. Nervous laughing. Isolation.
Q. How does trauma play a part of a victim's reactions?
A. Trauma affects the chemistry in one’s brain. When someone is in danger, or thinks that are in danger, a series of innate reactions occurs, which prompts the person to either fight, or flee or freeze. These reactions are generated by a set of chemicals which are released as a result of the stress of the trauma. In cases where there are “normal” amounts of stress, a person is not debilitated by the chemical reactions. However, when there is extreme stress (as there is when there is a sexual assault occurring) the amount of the chemical that is released can both damage the brain and inhibit memory functions.
Unlike memories which are non traumatic, and are stored in a logical and verbal fashion, traumatic memories are stored as senses and emotions. Because of this, a person would have trouble reasoning about the traumatic experience, or verbally repeating it, but would recall smells, feelings, images, sounds and tastes.. These memories would tend to be retrieved in pieces, including body memories. The memories can lead to a person shutting down when talking about the assault. And talking about the assault can trigger overwhelming feelings such that the person experiences flashbacks and panic attacks which cause the body to physically respond as if the dangerous situation was again upon them).
sample direct Examination of DEFENSE EXPERT USED TO COUNTER GOVERNMENT EXPERT ON counter-intuitive behaviors
T.G., civilian, was called as a witness for the defense,was sworn, and testified as follows:
DIRECT EXAMINATION
Questions by the civilian defense counsel:
Q. Dr. G give the judge a quickrundown of your military and educational history.
A. Sure. Your Honor, military-wise, I retired as a Navy 0-6 in October of 2007 with 30 years in. Undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Michigan; 6 years on active duty with Nuclear Propulsion Program; medical school at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda; internship -- rotating internship in medicine, neurology, and psychiatry and other specialties at Bethesda; 3 years psychiatry residency at Bethesda; 2 years at Orlando as Chief of Service; and from '93 to 2007, Faculty at Uniformed Services University; and ended up as a full professor of psychiatry there. Ialso completed a clinical research fellowship from '93 until '94.
And I'm a research consultant to the Rand Corporation forits recent Rand Workplace Sexual Relations Survey.
Q. Dr. G, how many times have you been qualified as anexpert in a military court-martial?
A. I've been appointed for probably about 180 cases andprobably testified in 130, 140.
CDC: Judge, we would ask that you recognize Dr. G as an expert in forensic psychiatry for the purposes of this motion?
ATC: No objection, Your Honor.
Q. Dr. G, do you know Dr. Va?
A. I've worked in cases where she was involved.
Q. So you've heard her testify?
A. I have.
Q. You've heard her testify as a blind expert?
A. I did.
Q. Okay. Dr. G, what is your concern with regards to the methodology that Dr. V uses in formulating her testimony?
A. Well, the information comes from a number of different types of studies that are done, many of which were done simply for the purposes of understanding sort of the sociology and psychology of the way people understand sexual assault
Some of them were done by, for example, the Department of Justice; or the things that we're working on at Rand to determine prevalence rates in a general population. Some of the studies deal with so-called rape myths. Those would be the college survey studies where a very limited set of questions would be asked, and people would rate their attitudes toward those particular questions. All of the survey studies -- and really most of the work is done in survey studies, but I'll talk about the exceptions after a bit, have different problems with the methodology. For example, at Rand what we're looking at -- you know, we sent off a very detailed study this time which was much crisper than the 2012 study. The 2012 study kind of conflated sexual harassment, sexual misconduct with rapes. So you couldn't actually separate out, for example, what were penetration crimes, what were non-penetration crimes, what were attempts.
CDC: And are you talking about the survey that is frequently cited in the military with regards to the prevalence of sexual assault -- frequently cited in the media with regards to prevalence of sexual assaults in the military?
A. Y es. But even the way the media reports, it doesn't accurately reflect some of the precision of what that study does in terms of breaking it into different categories so that it might appear thatthose are all rapes when, in fact, some of those were other aspects of sexual behavior.
Q. And what is the relevance of that study as it relates to concerns about Dr. V's methodologies?
A. Well, I mean even that study, which we've gone to great lengths to try to make as accurate as possible, suffers from the problems of most survey studies. One of those is, as you're trying to allude to, selection bias. That people who don't have an interest in the topic do not decide to participate in the study. So you get an over representation of people who have an interest in that subject. So it may be an over representation of people who wereactually assaulted or it may be an over representation of people whowant to magnify the problem of sexual assault.
So the first case they might answer honestly, and the second case they might exaggerate their answers to bring more light to the perceived problem.
Q. And is that a problem that is simply endemic in that previous military study or is your concern with all survey-type studies?
A. Well, all survey studies suffer from that to one degree or another. So one of the things we're doing -- and I'm actually meeting with the research team next week -- week after next. We're trying to look at verification of some of the rates that were reported. For example, if we have let's say 27,000 people who reported that they were sexually assaulted, by the time you extrapolate that out; and of those, let's say 10 percent say that they reported to formal authorities, so 2,700. If we find out that, for example, only 2,000 people actually reported to the authorities, when 2,700 people on the survey are telling us that they reported to the authorities -- and again we're talking extrapolated numbers going out -- what that tells us is that we have a biased survey, and we need to correct to match what the SAPRO office is actually collecting on reports that are being filed as restricted or unrestricted reports. So there's that type of a problem with the surveys.
There also isn't much detail in those surveys. When youconduct large scale surveys, the more questions you ask, the lower your response rate because people only have a tolerance for so many minutes of taking a survey. So we can ask basic questions like, you5 know, "Were you assaulted? Did you know the assailant? Did you report it? Did you not report it? Did you report it within 24 hours? Did you report it later than 24 hours?" You know, "What are your demographics? What's your gender? What's your age bracket? What's your racial makeup? What rank are you?" So we can break it down into basic demographics and the basic crime and some very basic information about whether they reported it. But it doesn't get into details of, you know, why didn't you report it? We might ask some basic questions about why didn't you report it but not any combination of factors that would give you any direct insight into a particular case.
So again these surveys are done to educate policymakers. They're done to provide general education to the scientific
community, but they're never intended to be applied in a judicial setting.
Q. In addition to -- you heard Dr. V testify and you've heard her testify previously that there are other -- there's other data that she relies upon besides survey studies. What is your concern with any of the other data that she relies upon?
A. Well, you know, they're often -- you know, you can call them different things. But you can call them case series studies, and you could call them focus group studies. You could call them, you know, court-directed studies of individuals. But again, you could have individuals who are over reporting, under reporting, exaggerating, minimizing what the involvement is; but again none of those studies get into the degree of detail that a court will see during the course of the gathering of evidence for the court or the presentation of evidence for the court.
So there is no study of any type that says, you know, this factor was present, not present. This factor was present, not present. This factor was present, not present. You come up with these sort of anecdotal collections of factors, but there's no way of applying those in any type of a predictive fashion that becomes useful to the members in terms of knowing whether something is more or less likely to have happened.
Q. Which brings me to my next point, Doctor. You're answering it a lot better than I asked it. But when we talked to Dr. V last night, you remember that she provided us with a number of factors that may be present as to why one does or does not stay in anabusive relationship, correct?
A. Correct.
Q. What is your problem with that methodology? What is your concern?
A. Well, perhaps the easiest way of explaining that is to provide a contrast and that would be the sort of research that we didat the university in returning veterans with combat injuries. So wewould apply, you know, well-validated scales on PTSD and depression for example. And they would be done with direct clinical interviews with scales that basically are shown to be probably about 95 percent valid, based on a large number of clinical scales that have been, you know, applied in that fashion. Then we would examine the demographics of the individual. "What rank were you? What gender were you? What age were you? How many months of combat deployment did you have? How many actual firefights, you know, within brackets were you actually involved with? You know, what were the natures ofyour injuries?" And then we apply all of that data all of those data into a logistical-regression-analysis formula, so I can end up making determinations of which factors are predictive of PTSD in areturning veteran, which factors are predictive of depression? And I could say, for example that, you know, non-Caucasians are at a 1.5-odds ratio of getting PTSD than Caucasians are, meaning that they 3 have a greater risk as a function of being non-Caucasian. Women have a 1.8-odds ratio of having PTSD. People with more combat exposures have greater ratios. People with -- who are married, have a greater propensity toward PTSD.
And so you can look at each factor and apply a risk factor for what does that factor mean about whether this individual is more or less likely to actually have PTSD.
Q. And how does that differ from the factors that Dr. V gave us last night?
A. There were no ratings. There were no odds ratios or relative-risk ratios to any of those multiple factors. So they're they're very much subjective to interpretation. I guess the other problem is the purpose. I mean, many of these studies were done for the purposes of educating law enforcement for example, investigators, prosecutors, in not immediately dismissing a case because it didn't make sense to them.
To the extent that an alleged, you know, complaining witness can explain every aspect of their behavior, step by step by
step, the question is: What does this add to an explanation that's already been provided to the court in great detail for each episode.
Q. You and I discussed whether the presence or absence of anyof these or all of these factors increases or decreases the likelihood that abuse occurred. What is your answer to that question?
A. It isn't helpful.
Q. Why is it not helpful?
A. Well, first off, the studies that -- I mean the factors she talks about -- I think she mentioned this -- are: If you know that an abuse has occurred, whether these factors increase or decrease the likelihood of someone staying or leaving. So you're starting off with presumption that there actually is an abusive relationship to begin with, which is the matter before the court. Not whether somebody left but it's whether the abuse occurred or not. So the staying in or the not staying in, whether you leave in 6 months or whether you leave at a year really doesn't answer the question of whether there is abuse or not. So it's not helpful in that fashion.
And, as I mentioned, there's no particular risk ratio for each of those elements, each of those factors.
Q. And when you talk about the lack of a weighted average,what is a weighted average?
A. Well, weighted average would be much like the logistical regression thing, that this -- this factor imparts, you know, percent of the choice to leave. This factor imparts percent of the choice to leave. This factor imparts percent. You know, how do you put those together. It's just a different way at looking at the8 printout from a logistic regression.
Q. And from your understanding are any of those weighted factors weighted averages rather, factored into Dr. V testimony?
A. Not from what we heard.
Q. Doctor, you also recall Dr. V talking to us about key triggers in leaving. And I believe that some of them were that the victim feels safer, that the offender crossed the line, that there was an escalation, that they have social support. Do you remember that from last night?
A. Yes. In some ways it's kind of the reciprocal of the factors for staying.
Q. Would you agree with me that the best testimony as to whether somebody felt safer is that individual them self?
A. I think they would have the only true knowledge of whattheir mental state was at any particular point in time.
Q. Thank you, Doctor. That's all the questions I have.
Text of new 2019 article 120, UCMJ
Article 120 (10 U.S.C. 920)—Rape and sexual assault generally
[Note: This statute applies to offenses committed on or after 1 January 2019. Previous versions of Article 120 are located as follows: for offenses committed on or before 30 September 2007, seeAppendix 20; for offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, seeAppendix 21; for offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, seeAppendix 22.]
a. Text of statute.
(a) RAPE.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(1) using unlawful force against that other person;
(2) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person;
(3) threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping;
(4) first rendering that other person unconscious; or
(5) administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct;
is guilty of rape and shall be punished as a court- martial may direct.
(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—Any person subject to this chapter who—
(1) commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(A) threatening or placing that other person in fear;
(B) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act serves a professional purpose; or
(C) inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the person is another person;
(2) commits a sexual act upon another person—
(A) without the consent of the other person; or
(B) when the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring;
(3) commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to—
(A) impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or
(B) a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person;
is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) AGGRAVATED SEXUAL CONTACT.— Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (a) (rape) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of aggravated sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(d) ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (b) (sexual assault) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of abusive sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(e) PROOF OF THREAT.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
(f) DEFENSES.—An accused may raise any applicable defenses available under this chapter or the Rules for Court-Martial. Marriage is not a defense for any conduct in issue in any prosecution under this section.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) SEXUAL ACT.—The term “sexual act” means—
(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;
(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or
(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(2) SEXUAL CONTACT.—The term “sexual contact” means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.
(3) GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM.—The term “grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.
(4) FORCE.—The term “force” means—
(A) the use of a weapon;
(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or
(C) inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
(5) UNLAWFUL FORCE.—The term “unlawful force” means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.
(6) THREATENING OR PLACING THAT OTHER PERSON IN FEAR.—The term “threatening or placing that other person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(7) CONSENT.—
(A) The term “consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(B) A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent. A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm or to being rendered unconscious. A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear or under the circumstances described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (b)(1).
(C) All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
(8) INCAPABLE OF CONSENTING.—The term “incapable of consenting” means the person is—
(A) incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue; or
(B) physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, the sexual act at issue.
b. Elements. (1) Rape.
(a) By unlawful force.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. (a) By force.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force. (b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the contact is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
c. Explanation.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (Art. 120), offenses against children (Art. 120b), and other offenses (Art. 120c).
(2) Definitions. The terms are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g).
(3) Victim sexual behavior or predisposition and privilege. See Mil. R. Evid. 412 concerning rules of evidence relating to the sexual behavior or predisposition of the victim of an alleged sexual offense. See Mil. R. Evid. 514 concerning rules of evidence relating to privileged communications between the victim and victim advocate.
(4) Scope of “threatening or placing that other person in fear.” For purposes of this offense, the phrase
“wrongful action” within Article 120(g)(6) (defining “threatening or placing that other person in fear”) includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or contact; and threats to withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or sexual contact. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused’s desired sexual act or sexual contact would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Rape. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement for life without eligibility for parole. Mandatory minimum – Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(2) Sexual assault. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years. Mandatory minimum – Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(4) Abusive sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.
e. Sample specifications. (1) Rape.
(a) By force.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and __________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:__________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to _______, to wit:______________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________ 20______, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (___________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening ______) (placing ______ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20____, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ______________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by first rendering __________ unconscious by____________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to __________ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of __________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (list other similar substance), to wit: ___________, thereby substantially impairing the ability of __________to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon _________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ___________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (_________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening _______) (placing_______ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose, to wit:_______________.
(c) By false pretense.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d)Without consent.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus),] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], without the consent of ___________.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ______20__, commit a sexual act upon_________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when (he) (she) knew or reasonably should have known that _______ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual act was occurring due to __________).
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon _______, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between
_______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when ________was incapable of consenting to the sexual act because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: __________) (an intoxicant, to wit:_________) (________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:___________) (mental defect, to wit:___________) (physical disability, to wit:__________)], and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. (a) By force.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________] by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to________, to wit:___________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, (touch) (cause _______ to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _________) (placing __________ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by rendering _________unconscious by__________________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________20___, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by administering to_______(by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of _________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (______) thereby substantially impairing the ability of _______ to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in
fear.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about__________20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by (threatening _______) (placing __________ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation.
In that ____________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose, to wit: __________.
(c) By false pretense.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
In that ______(person jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20___, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of ________] without the consent of _____.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
In that ______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when (he) (she) (knew) (reasonably should have known) that __________ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual contact was occurring due to ___________).
(f) When that person is incapable of consenting.
In that _______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20_____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part)
(an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when _________ was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit:____________) (an intoxicant, to wit:__________) (_________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:_________) (mental defect, to wit:_____________) (physical disability, to wit:____________)] and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
61. Article 120a (10 U.S.C. 920a)—Mails: deposit of obscene matter
a. Text of statute.
Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully and knowingly, deposits obscene matter for mailing and delivery shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
b. Elements.
(1) That the accused deposited or caused to be deposited in the mails certain matter for mailing and delivery;
(2) That the act was done wrongfully and knowingly; and
(3) That the matter was obscene.
c. Explanation. Whether something is obscene is a question of fact. Obscene is synonymous with indecent as the latter is defined in subparagraph 104.c. The matter must violate community standards of decency or obscenity and must go beyond customary limits of expression. “Knowingly” means the accused deposited the material with knowledge of its nature. Knowingly depositing obscene matter in the mails is wrongful if it is done without legal justification or authorization.
d. Maximum punishment.Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 3 years.
e. Sample specification.
In that ______________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __ 20____, wrongfully and knowingly (deposit) (cause to be deposited) in the (United States) (________) mails, for mailing and delivery a (letter) (picture) (_________) (containing) (portraying) (suggesting) (__________) certain obscene matters, to wit: __________.
62. Article 120b (10 U.S.C. 920b)—Rape and sexual assault of a child
[Note: This statute applies to offenses committed on or after 1 January 2019. Previous versions of child sexual offenses are located as follows: for offenses committed on or before 30 September 2007, see Appendix 20; for offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, see Appendix 21; for offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, see Appendix 22.]
a. Text of statute.
(a) RAPE OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to
this chapter who—
(1) commits a sexual act upon a child who has not attained the age of 12 years; or
(2) commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years by—
(A) using force against any person;
(B) threatening or placing that child in fear;
(C) rendering that child unconscious; or
(D) administering to that child a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance;
is guilty of rape of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years is guilty of sexual assault of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a lewd act upon a child is guilty of sexual abuse of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(d) AGE OF CHILD.—
(1) UNDER 12 YEARS.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act. It is not a defense that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 12 years.
(2) UNDER 16 YEARS.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew that the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act had not attained the age of 16 years, but it is a defense in a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 16 years, if the child had in fact attained at least the age of 12 years.
(e) PROOF OF THREAT.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
(f) MARRIAGE.—In a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), it is a defense, which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the persons engaging in the sexual act or lewd act were at that time married to each other, except where the accused commits a sexual act upon the person when the accused knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring or when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition was known or reasonably should have been known by the accused.
(g) CONSENT.—Lack of consent is not an element and need not be proven in any prosecution under this section. A child not legally married to the person committing the sexual act, lewd act, or use of force cannot consent to any sexual act, lewd act, or use of force.
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
In the case of a parent-child or similar relationship, the use or abuse of parental or similar authority is sufficient to constitute the use of force.
(3) THREATENING OR PLACING THAT CHILD IN FEAR.—The term “threatening or placing that child in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause the child to fear that non-compliance will result in the child or another person being subjected to the action contemplated by the communication or action.
(4) CHILD.—The term “child” means any person who has not attained the age of 16 years.
(5) LEWD ACT.—The term “lewd act” means—
(A) any sexual contact with a child;
(B) intentionally exposing one’s genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;
(C) intentionally communicating indecent language to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or
(D) any indecent conduct, intentionally done with or in the presence of a child, including via any communication technology, that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
b. Elements
(1)Rape of a child.
(a) Rape of a child who has not attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child; and
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had not attained the age of 12 years.
(b) Rape by force of a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(1) SEXUAL ACT AND CONTACT.—The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given those terms in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g)), except that the term “sexual act” also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(2) FORCE.—The term “force” means—
(A) the use of a weapon;
(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a child; or
(C) inflicting physical harm.
SEXUAL
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by using force against that child or any other person.
(c) Rape by threatening or placing in fear a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by threatening the child or another person or placing that child in fear.
(d) Rape by rendering unconscious a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by rendering that child unconscious.
(e) Rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by administering to that child a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(2) Sexual assault of a child.
(a) Sexual assault of a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act
upon a child; and
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years.
(3) Sexual abuse of a child. That the accused committed a lewd act upon a child.
c. Explanation.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (120),
offenses against children (120b), and other offenses (120c).
(2) Definitions. Terms not defined in this paragraph are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g), supra, except that the term “sexual act” also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Rape of a child. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for life without eligibility for parole. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(2) Sexual assault of a child. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(3) Sexual abuse of a child.
(a) Cases involving sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(b) Other cases. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years.
e. Sample specifications. (1) Rape of a child.
(a) Rape of a child who has not attained the age of 12.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________________, a child who had not attained the age of 12 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________ ]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]].
(b) Rape by force of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force against ________, to wit: ______________.
(c) Rape by threatening or placing in fear a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening ______) (placing _______ in fear).
(d) Rape by rendering unconscious of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _____ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by rendering __________ unconscious by ___________________.
(e) Rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________ ]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to ____________ a (drug) (intoxicant) (____), to wit: _____________.
(2) Sexual assault of a child.
(a) Sexual assault of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _____ 20__, commit a sexual act upon _______, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]].
(3) Sexual abuse of a child.
(a) Sexual abuse of a child involving sexual contact.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by (touching) (causing _____ to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit: _______], with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) __________ ] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of __________].
(b) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent exposure.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ____ 20__, commit a lewd act upon _______, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by intentionally exposing [his (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks)] [her (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks) (areola) (nipple)] to __________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of __________].
(c) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent communication.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by intentionally communicating to ________ indecent language to wit: ___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (degrade)_____] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________].
(d) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent conduct.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by engaging in indecent conduct, to wit: _________, intentionally done (with) (in the presence of) _______, which conduct amounted to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
[Previous versions of offenses included in Article 120c are located as follows: for the offense of indecent exposure committed on or before 30 September 2007, a previous version of Article 134, indecent exposure, applies and is located at Appendix 20; for the offense of forcible pandering committed on or before 30 September 2007, a previous version of Article 134, pandering and prostitution, applies and is located at Appendix 20; for Article 120c offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, see Appendix 21; for Article 120c offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, the previous version of Article 120c applies and is located at Appendix 22.]
a. Text of Statute
(a) INDECENT VIEWING, VISUAL RECORDING, OR BROADCASTING.—Any person subject to this chapter who, without legal justification or lawful authorization—
(1) knowingly and wrongfully views the private area of another person, without that other person’s consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
(2) knowingly photographs, videotapes, films, or records by any means the private area of another person, without that other person’s consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
(3) knowingly broadcasts or distributes any such recording that the person knew or reasonably should have known was made under the circumstances proscribed in paragraphs (1) and (2);
is guilty of an offense under this section and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) FORCIBLE PANDERING.—Any person subject to this chapter who compels another person to engage in an act of prostitution with any person is guilty of forcible pandering and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) INDECENT EXPOSURE.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally exposes, in an indecent manner, the genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple is guilty of indecent exposure and shall by punished as a court-martial may direct.
.a.(c) 63. Article 120c (10 U.S.C. 920c)—Other sexual
63.a.(d) Article 120c (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) ACT OF PROSTITUTION.—The term “act of prostitution” means a sexual act or sexual contact (as defined in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g))) on account of which anything of value is given to, or received by, any person.
(2) PRIVATE AREA.—The term “private area” means the naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple.
(3) REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY.—The term “under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” means—
(A) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that he or she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that an image of a private area of the person was being captured; or
(B) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person would not be visible to the public.
(4) BROADCAST.—The term “broadcast” means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.
(5) DISTRIBUTE.—The term “distribute” means delivering to the actual or constructive possession of another, including transmission by electronic means.
(6) INDECENT MANNER.—The term “indecent manner” means conduct that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
b. Elements.
(1)Indecent viewing.
(a) That the accused knowingly and wrongfully viewed the private area of another person;
(b) That said viewing was without the other person’s consent; and
(c) That said viewing took place under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) Indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly recorded (photographed, videotaped, filmed, or recorded by any means) the private area of another person;
(b) That said recording was without the other person’s consent; and
(c) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(3) Broadcasting of an indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly broadcast a certain
recording of another person’s private area;
(b) That said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(c) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(d) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
(e) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(4) Distribution of an indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly distributed a
certain recording of another person’s private area;
(b) That said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(c) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(d) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
(e) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(5) Forcible pandering.
That the accused compelled another person to
engage in an act of prostitution with any person. (6) Indecent exposure.
(a) That the accused exposed his or her genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple;
(b) That the exposure was in an indecent manner; and
c. Explanation.
(c) That the exposure was intentional.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (120), offenses against children (120b), and other offenses (120c).
(2) Definitions.
(a) Recording. A recording is a still or moving
visual image captured or recorded by any means.
(b) Other terms are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g), supra.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Indecent viewing. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
(2) Indecent recording. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 5 years.
(3) Broadcasting or distribution of an indecent recording. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.
(4) Forcible pandering. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(5) Indecent exposure. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
e. Sample specifications.
(1) Indecent viewing, recording, or broadcasting.
(a) Indecent viewing.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly and wrongfully view the private area of __________, without (his) (her) consent and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(b) Indecent recording.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly (photograph) (videotape) (film) (make a recording of) the private area of __________, without (his) (her) consent and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(c) Broadcasting or distributing an indecent recording.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if
required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly (broadcast) (distribute) a recording of the private area of __________, when the said accused knew or reasonably should have known that the said recording was made without the consent of _____________ and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) Forcible pandering.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, wrongfully compel __________ to engage in (a sexual act) (sexual contact) with ___________, to wit: ____________, for the purpose of receiving (money) (other compensation) (_______).
(3) Indecent exposure.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, intentionally expose [his (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks)] [her (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks) (areola) (nipple)] in an indecent manner, to wit: ___________.
64. Article 121 (10 U.S.C. 921)—Larceny and wrongful appropriation
a. Text of statute.
(a) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds, by any means, from the possession of the owner or of any other person any money, personal property, or article of value of any kind—
(1) with intent permanently to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, steals that property and is guilty of larceny; or
(2) with intent temporarily to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, is guilty of wrongful appropriation.
(b) Any person found guilty of larceny or wrongful appropriation shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
[Note: This statute applies to offenses committed on or after 1 January 2019. Previous versions of Article 120 are located as follows: for offenses committed on or before 30 September 2007, seeAppendix 20; for offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, seeAppendix 21; for offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, seeAppendix 22.]
a. Text of statute.
(a) RAPE.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(1) using unlawful force against that other person;
(2) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person;
(3) threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping;
(4) first rendering that other person unconscious; or
(5) administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct;
is guilty of rape and shall be punished as a court- martial may direct.
(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—Any person subject to this chapter who—
(1) commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(A) threatening or placing that other person in fear;
(B) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act serves a professional purpose; or
(C) inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the person is another person;
(2) commits a sexual act upon another person—
(A) without the consent of the other person; or
(B) when the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring;
(3) commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to—
(A) impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or
(B) a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person;
is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) AGGRAVATED SEXUAL CONTACT.— Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (a) (rape) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of aggravated sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(d) ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (b) (sexual assault) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of abusive sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(e) PROOF OF THREAT.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
(f) DEFENSES.—An accused may raise any applicable defenses available under this chapter or the Rules for Court-Martial. Marriage is not a defense for any conduct in issue in any prosecution under this section.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) SEXUAL ACT.—The term “sexual act” means—
(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;
(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or
(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(2) SEXUAL CONTACT.—The term “sexual contact” means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.
(3) GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM.—The term “grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.
(4) FORCE.—The term “force” means—
(A) the use of a weapon;
(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or
(C) inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
(5) UNLAWFUL FORCE.—The term “unlawful force” means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.
(6) THREATENING OR PLACING THAT OTHER PERSON IN FEAR.—The term “threatening or placing that other person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(7) CONSENT.—
(A) The term “consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(B) A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent. A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm or to being rendered unconscious. A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear or under the circumstances described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (b)(1).
(C) All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
(8) INCAPABLE OF CONSENTING.—The term “incapable of consenting” means the person is—
(A) incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue; or
(B) physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, the sexual act at issue.
b. Elements. (1) Rape.
(a) By unlawful force.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. (a) By force.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force. (b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the contact is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
c. Explanation.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (Art. 120), offenses against children (Art. 120b), and other offenses (Art. 120c).
(2) Definitions. The terms are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g).
(3) Victim sexual behavior or predisposition and privilege. See Mil. R. Evid. 412 concerning rules of evidence relating to the sexual behavior or predisposition of the victim of an alleged sexual offense. See Mil. R. Evid. 514 concerning rules of evidence relating to privileged communications between the victim and victim advocate.
(4) Scope of “threatening or placing that other person in fear.” For purposes of this offense, the phrase
“wrongful action” within Article 120(g)(6) (defining “threatening or placing that other person in fear”) includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or contact; and threats to withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or sexual contact. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused’s desired sexual act or sexual contact would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Rape. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement for life without eligibility for parole. Mandatory minimum – Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(2) Sexual assault. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years. Mandatory minimum – Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(4) Abusive sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.
e. Sample specifications. (1) Rape.
(a) By force.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and __________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:__________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to _______, to wit:______________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________ 20______, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (___________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening ______) (placing ______ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20____, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ______________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by first rendering __________ unconscious by____________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to __________ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of __________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (list other similar substance), to wit: ___________, thereby substantially impairing the ability of __________to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon _________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ___________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (_________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening _______) (placing_______ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose, to wit:_______________.
(c) By false pretense.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d)Without consent.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus),] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], without the consent of ___________.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ______20__, commit a sexual act upon_________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when (he) (she) knew or reasonably should have known that _______ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual act was occurring due to __________).
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon _______, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between
_______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when ________was incapable of consenting to the sexual act because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: __________) (an intoxicant, to wit:_________) (________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:___________) (mental defect, to wit:___________) (physical disability, to wit:__________)], and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. (a) By force.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________] by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to________, to wit:___________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, (touch) (cause _______ to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _________) (placing __________ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by rendering _________unconscious by__________________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________20___, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by administering to_______(by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of _________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (______) thereby substantially impairing the ability of _______ to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in
fear.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about__________20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of_________], by (threatening _______) (placing __________ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation.
In that ____________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose, to wit: __________.
(c) By false pretense.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
In that ______(person jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20___, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of ________] without the consent of _____.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
In that ______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________20____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when (he) (she) (knew) (reasonably should have known) that __________ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual contact was occurring due to ___________).
(f) When that person is incapable of consenting.
In that _______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20_____, (touch) (cause _______to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part)
(an object) to wit:_______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when _________ was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit:____________) (an intoxicant, to wit:__________) (_________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:_________) (mental defect, to wit:_____________) (physical disability, to wit:____________)] and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
61. Article 120a (10 U.S.C. 920a)—Mails: deposit of obscene matter
a. Text of statute.
Any person subject to this chapter who, wrongfully and knowingly, deposits obscene matter for mailing and delivery shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
b. Elements.
(1) That the accused deposited or caused to be deposited in the mails certain matter for mailing and delivery;
(2) That the act was done wrongfully and knowingly; and
(3) That the matter was obscene.
c. Explanation. Whether something is obscene is a question of fact. Obscene is synonymous with indecent as the latter is defined in subparagraph 104.c. The matter must violate community standards of decency or obscenity and must go beyond customary limits of expression. “Knowingly” means the accused deposited the material with knowledge of its nature. Knowingly depositing obscene matter in the mails is wrongful if it is done without legal justification or authorization.
d. Maximum punishment.Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 3 years.
e. Sample specification.
In that ______________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __ 20____, wrongfully and knowingly (deposit) (cause to be deposited) in the (United States) (________) mails, for mailing and delivery a (letter) (picture) (_________) (containing) (portraying) (suggesting) (__________) certain obscene matters, to wit: __________.
62. Article 120b (10 U.S.C. 920b)—Rape and sexual assault of a child
[Note: This statute applies to offenses committed on or after 1 January 2019. Previous versions of child sexual offenses are located as follows: for offenses committed on or before 30 September 2007, see Appendix 20; for offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, see Appendix 21; for offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, see Appendix 22.]
a. Text of statute.
(a) RAPE OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to
this chapter who—
(1) commits a sexual act upon a child who has not attained the age of 12 years; or
(2) commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years by—
(A) using force against any person;
(B) threatening or placing that child in fear;
(C) rendering that child unconscious; or
(D) administering to that child a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance;
is guilty of rape of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon a child who has attained the age of 12 years is guilty of sexual assault of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a lewd act upon a child is guilty of sexual abuse of a child and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(d) AGE OF CHILD.—
(1) UNDER 12 YEARS.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew the age of the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act. It is not a defense that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 12 years.
(2) UNDER 16 YEARS.—In a prosecution under this section, it need not be proven that the accused knew that the other person engaging in the sexual act or lewd act had not attained the age of 16 years, but it is a defense in a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the accused reasonably believed that the child had attained the age of 16 years, if the child had in fact attained at least the age of 12 years.
(e) PROOF OF THREAT.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
(f) MARRIAGE.—In a prosecution under subsection (b) (sexual assault of a child) or subsection (c) (sexual abuse of a child), it is a defense, which the accused must prove by a preponderance of the evidence, that the persons engaging in the sexual act or lewd act were at that time married to each other, except where the accused commits a sexual act upon the person when the accused knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring or when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition was known or reasonably should have been known by the accused.
(g) CONSENT.—Lack of consent is not an element and need not be proven in any prosecution under this section. A child not legally married to the person committing the sexual act, lewd act, or use of force cannot consent to any sexual act, lewd act, or use of force.
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
In the case of a parent-child or similar relationship, the use or abuse of parental or similar authority is sufficient to constitute the use of force.
(3) THREATENING OR PLACING THAT CHILD IN FEAR.—The term “threatening or placing that child in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause the child to fear that non-compliance will result in the child or another person being subjected to the action contemplated by the communication or action.
(4) CHILD.—The term “child” means any person who has not attained the age of 16 years.
(5) LEWD ACT.—The term “lewd act” means—
(A) any sexual contact with a child;
(B) intentionally exposing one’s genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person;
(C) intentionally communicating indecent language to a child by any means, including via any communication technology, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, or degrade any person, or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person; or
(D) any indecent conduct, intentionally done with or in the presence of a child, including via any communication technology, that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
b. Elements
(1)Rape of a child.
(a) Rape of a child who has not attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child; and
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had not attained the age of 12 years.
(b) Rape by force of a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(1) SEXUAL ACT AND CONTACT.—The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given those terms in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g)), except that the term “sexual act” also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(2) FORCE.—The term “force” means—
(A) the use of a weapon;
(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a child; or
(C) inflicting physical harm.
SEXUAL
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by using force against that child or any other person.
(c) Rape by threatening or placing in fear a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by threatening the child or another person or placing that child in fear.
(d) Rape by rendering unconscious a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by rendering that child unconscious.
(e) Rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon a child;
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years; and
(iii) That the accused did so by administering to that child a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(2) Sexual assault of a child.
(a) Sexual assault of a child who has attained the age of 12.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act
upon a child; and
(ii) That at the time of the sexual act the child had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years.
(3) Sexual abuse of a child. That the accused committed a lewd act upon a child.
c. Explanation.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (120),
offenses against children (120b), and other offenses (120c).
(2) Definitions. Terms not defined in this paragraph are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g), supra, except that the term “sexual act” also includes the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of another person who has not attained the age of 16 years with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Rape of a child. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for life without eligibility for parole. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(2) Sexual assault of a child. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(3) Sexual abuse of a child.
(a) Cases involving sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(b) Other cases. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 15 years.
e. Sample specifications. (1) Rape of a child.
(a) Rape of a child who has not attained the age of 12.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________________, a child who had not attained the age of 12 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________ ]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]].
(b) Rape by force of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force against ________, to wit: ______________.
(c) Rape by threatening or placing in fear a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening ______) (placing _______ in fear).
(d) Rape by rendering unconscious of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _____ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by rendering __________ unconscious by ___________________.
(e) Rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________ ]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to ____________ a (drug) (intoxicant) (____), to wit: _____________.
(2) Sexual assault of a child.
(a) Sexual assault of a child who has attained the age of 12 years.
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _____ 20__, commit a sexual act upon _______, a child who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]] [intentionally touching, not through the clothing, the genitalia of _________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]].
(3) Sexual abuse of a child.
(a) Sexual abuse of a child involving sexual contact.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by (touching) (causing _____ to touch) the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of________, with [(______’s body part) (an object) to wit: _______], with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) __________ ] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of __________].
(b) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent exposure.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about ____ 20__, commit a lewd act upon _______, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by intentionally exposing [his (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks)] [her (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks) (areola) (nipple)] to __________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of __________].
(c) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent communication.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by intentionally communicating to ________ indecent language to wit: ___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (degrade)_____] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________].
(d) Sexual abuse of a child involving indecent conduct.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, commit a lewd act upon __________, a child who had not attained the age of 16 years, by engaging in indecent conduct, to wit: _________, intentionally done (with) (in the presence of) _______, which conduct amounted to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
[Previous versions of offenses included in Article 120c are located as follows: for the offense of indecent exposure committed on or before 30 September 2007, a previous version of Article 134, indecent exposure, applies and is located at Appendix 20; for the offense of forcible pandering committed on or before 30 September 2007, a previous version of Article 134, pandering and prostitution, applies and is located at Appendix 20; for Article 120c offenses committed during the period 1 October 2007 through 27 June 2012, see Appendix 21; for Article 120c offenses committed during the period 28 June 2012 through 31 December 2018, the previous version of Article 120c applies and is located at Appendix 22.]
a. Text of Statute
(a) INDECENT VIEWING, VISUAL RECORDING, OR BROADCASTING.—Any person subject to this chapter who, without legal justification or lawful authorization—
(1) knowingly and wrongfully views the private area of another person, without that other person’s consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy;
(2) knowingly photographs, videotapes, films, or records by any means the private area of another person, without that other person’s consent and under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy; or
(3) knowingly broadcasts or distributes any such recording that the person knew or reasonably should have known was made under the circumstances proscribed in paragraphs (1) and (2);
is guilty of an offense under this section and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) FORCIBLE PANDERING.—Any person subject to this chapter who compels another person to engage in an act of prostitution with any person is guilty of forcible pandering and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) INDECENT EXPOSURE.—Any person subject to this chapter who intentionally exposes, in an indecent manner, the genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple is guilty of indecent exposure and shall by punished as a court-martial may direct.
.a.(c) 63. Article 120c (10 U.S.C. 920c)—Other sexual
63.a.(d) Article 120c (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) ACT OF PROSTITUTION.—The term “act of prostitution” means a sexual act or sexual contact (as defined in section 920(g) of this title (article 120(g))) on account of which anything of value is given to, or received by, any person.
(2) PRIVATE AREA.—The term “private area” means the naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple.
(3) REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY.—The term “under circumstances in which that other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” means—
(A) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that he or she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that an image of a private area of the person was being captured; or
(B) circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person would not be visible to the public.
(4) BROADCAST.—The term “broadcast” means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person or persons.
(5) DISTRIBUTE.—The term “distribute” means delivering to the actual or constructive possession of another, including transmission by electronic means.
(6) INDECENT MANNER.—The term “indecent manner” means conduct that amounts to a form of immorality relating to sexual impurity which is grossly vulgar, obscene, and repugnant to common propriety, and tends to excite sexual desire or deprave morals with respect to sexual relations.
b. Elements.
(1)Indecent viewing.
(a) That the accused knowingly and wrongfully viewed the private area of another person;
(b) That said viewing was without the other person’s consent; and
(c) That said viewing took place under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) Indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly recorded (photographed, videotaped, filmed, or recorded by any means) the private area of another person;
(b) That said recording was without the other person’s consent; and
(c) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(3) Broadcasting of an indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly broadcast a certain
recording of another person’s private area;
(b) That said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(c) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(d) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
(e) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(4) Distribution of an indecent recording.
(a) That the accused knowingly distributed a
certain recording of another person’s private area;
(b) That said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(c) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made without the other person’s consent;
(d) That said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy; and
(e) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that said recording was made under circumstances in which the other person had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(5) Forcible pandering.
That the accused compelled another person to
engage in an act of prostitution with any person. (6) Indecent exposure.
(a) That the accused exposed his or her genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple;
(b) That the exposure was in an indecent manner; and
c. Explanation.
(c) That the exposure was intentional.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (120), offenses against children (120b), and other offenses (120c).
(2) Definitions.
(a) Recording. A recording is a still or moving
visual image captured or recorded by any means.
(b) Other terms are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g), supra.
d. Maximum punishment.
(1) Indecent viewing. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
(2) Indecent recording. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 5 years.
(3) Broadcasting or distribution of an indecent recording. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.
(4) Forcible pandering. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(5) Indecent exposure. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 1 year.
e. Sample specifications.
(1) Indecent viewing, recording, or broadcasting.
(a) Indecent viewing.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly and wrongfully view the private area of __________, without (his) (her) consent and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(b) Indecent recording.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly (photograph) (videotape) (film) (make a recording of) the private area of __________, without (his) (her) consent and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(c) Broadcasting or distributing an indecent recording.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if
required), on or about _______ 20__, knowingly (broadcast) (distribute) a recording of the private area of __________, when the said accused knew or reasonably should have known that the said recording was made without the consent of _____________ and under circumstances in which (he) (she) had a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(2) Forcible pandering.
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, wrongfully compel __________ to engage in (a sexual act) (sexual contact) with ___________, to wit: ____________, for the purpose of receiving (money) (other compensation) (_______).
(3) Indecent exposure.
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction, if required), on or about _______ 20__, intentionally expose [his (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks)] [her (genitalia) (anus) (buttocks) (areola) (nipple)] in an indecent manner, to wit: ___________.
64. Article 121 (10 U.S.C. 921)—Larceny and wrongful appropriation
a. Text of statute.
(a) Any person subject to this chapter who wrongfully takes, obtains, or withholds, by any means, from the possession of the owner or of any other person any money, personal property, or article of value of any kind—
(1) with intent permanently to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, steals that property and is guilty of larceny; or
(2) with intent temporarily to deprive or defraud another person of the use and benefit of property or to appropriate it to his own use or the use of any person other than the owner, is guilty of wrongful appropriation.
(b) Any person found guilty of larceny or wrongful appropriation shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
Sex offender registration for military members
Every service member facing sex related charges has questions about sex offender registration. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 created a national sex offender registration system called the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and recognized Indian tribes had to comply with the act.
It is a federal crime to knowingly fail to register in the jurisdiction that you reside, are employed, or attend school. Military law has undergone so many changes, that many people have legitimate questions as to whether their charges require registration. Military defense lawyers often return to the default answer of "check with a lawyer in your state."
Unfortunately, the law was well-intentioned, but the politicians cast a wide-net. Many service members facing minor charges find themselves facing possible sex offender registration.
Generally, Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07, Appendix 4 to Enclosure 2 contains the list of registrable military offenses. The law, again, has undergone significant changes over time and consultation is still advisable if you have registration questions.
Additionally, many states have Romeo and Juliet statutes that are intended to unnecessarily require young men to register in cases involving consensual acts with other young people under the statute. Some of those statutes may require specific findings of fact from the Military Judge. It is helpful to have an attorney experienced in handling cases where the client may eventually reside in a state with a Romeo and Juliet type statute. Contact us today for more information.
It is a federal crime to knowingly fail to register in the jurisdiction that you reside, are employed, or attend school. Military law has undergone so many changes, that many people have legitimate questions as to whether their charges require registration. Military defense lawyers often return to the default answer of "check with a lawyer in your state."
Unfortunately, the law was well-intentioned, but the politicians cast a wide-net. Many service members facing minor charges find themselves facing possible sex offender registration.
Generally, Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07, Appendix 4 to Enclosure 2 contains the list of registrable military offenses. The law, again, has undergone significant changes over time and consultation is still advisable if you have registration questions.
Additionally, many states have Romeo and Juliet statutes that are intended to unnecessarily require young men to register in cases involving consensual acts with other young people under the statute. Some of those statutes may require specific findings of fact from the Military Judge. It is helpful to have an attorney experienced in handling cases where the client may eventually reside in a state with a Romeo and Juliet type statute. Contact us today for more information.
