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FindLaw Legal Dictionary

The FindLaw Legal Dictionary -- free access to over 8260 definitions of legal terms. Search for a definition or browse our legal glossaries.

term:

Sexual Battery

sexual battery

: intentional and offensive sexual contact with a person who has not given or (as in the case of a child) is incapable of giving consent. The victim can be restrained, restrained by another person, or not restrained.

: forced or coerced contact with the sexual parts of either the victim or the perpetrator. Either person can be clothed or not clothed.

NOTE: This is a broad definition of the offense. The specific elements of this crime vary from state to state, and some states use more narrow definitions.

see other types of battery definitions

see also rape



Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.

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