Conducta sexual delictiva y menores en Carolina del Sur

Explicación Simple

En Carolina del Sur, un niño menor de 14 años puede ser juzgado si comete un delito sexual, algo que antes no se permitía. Además, en juicios de este tipo, no se puede hablar de la vida sexual de la víctima a menos que sea muy relevante para el caso.

Es como si en un equipo de fútbol, se permitiera que un jugador menor de edad participara en un partido importante; antes no se permitía, pero ahora sí, siempre que se respeten las reglas.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que un chico de 13 años, llamado Lucas, es acusado de haber agredido sexualmente a una compañera. Según esta ley, Lucas puede ser juzgado aunque tenga menos de 14 años, y el juicio no puede incluir detalles sobre la vida sexual de la víctima a menos que eso sea muy importante para el caso.

Penalidades

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Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

SECTION 16-3-659. Criminal sexual conduct; males under fourteen not presumed incapable of committing crime of rape. The common law rule that a boy under fourteen years is conclusively presumed to be incapable of committing the crime of rape shall not be enforced in this State. Provided, that any person under the age of 14 shall be tried as a juvenile for any violations of Sections 16-3-651 to 16-3-659.1. HISTORY: 1977 Act No. 157 SECTION 9. SECTION 16-3-659.1. Criminal sexual conduct; admissibility of evidence concerning victim's sexual conduct. (1) Evidence of specific instances of the victim's sexual conduct, opinion evidence of the victim's sexual conduct, and reputation evidence of the victim's sexual conduct is not admissible in prosecutions under Sections 16-3-615 and 16-3-652 to 16-3-656; however, evidence of the victim's sexual conduct with the defendant or evidence of specific instances of sexual activity with persons other than the defendant introduced to show source or origin of semen, pregnancy, or disease about which evidence has been introduced previously at trial is admissible if the judge finds that such evidence is relevant to a material fact and issue in the case and that its inflammatory or prejudicial nature does not outweigh its probative value. Evidence of specific instances of sexual activity which would constitute adultery and would be admissible under rules of evidence to impeach the credibility of the witness may not be excluded. (2) If the defendant proposes to offer evidence described in subsection (1), the defendant, prior to presenting his defense shall file a written motion and offer of proof. The court shall order an in-camera hearing to determine whether the proposed evidence is admissible under subsection (1). If new evidence is discove