Law Dictionary

To search for a particular term please use the following search box.

rape

Mid. English rape, haste, hurry: seizure by force. A popular etymology connects it with Latin rapere, to seize hastily, -Skeat. The carnal knowledge of a woman forcibly and against her will. If the act was committed without consent, - as where the woman is stupified by drugs or liquors, or is deceived as to the nature of the act, or is overcome by duress or threats of murder, - the case may be rape, although there was no actual, continued resistance. A girl under ten is not competent to consent, nor is an older female of insane mind. Marriage gives permanent, irrevocable consent.

Source : William C. Anderson, A Dictionary of Law (1893)

Language : English

Return

Return to Law Dictionary Index