Which Penal Code section covers lewd acts with a child under 14?

Which Penal Code section covers lewd acts with a child under 14?

• A. PC 288
• B. PC 287
• C. PC 289
• D. PC 290

Answer: (A)

Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 are defined as sexual conduct of a lewd nature involving a child younger than 14, with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires. This specific offense targets that very young age group and encompasses acts beyond just intercourse, focusing on conduct that is considered lewd or lascivious toward a child. This makes it the correct choice because it directly matches the scenario of sexual acts involving someone under 14, which is a distinct offense from other sex crimes. For comparison, oral copulation with a minor is a separate statute that covers mouth-to-genital contact and has its own age parameters, while sexual penetration by force or other means is covered by a different statute, and the registration statute (sex offender registry) is not about committing a crime but reporting it.

Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 are defined as sexual conduct of a lewd nature involving a child younger than 14, with the intent to arouse or gratify sexual desires. This specific offense targets that very young age group and encompasses acts beyond just intercourse, focusing on conduct that is considered lewd or lascivious toward a child.

This makes it the correct choice because it directly matches the scenario of sexual acts involving someone under 14, which is a distinct offense from other sex crimes. For comparison, oral copulation with a minor is a separate statute that covers mouth-to-genital contact and has its own age parameters, while sexual penetration by force or other means is covered by a different statute, and the registration statute (sex offender registry) is not about committing a crime but reporting it.