Which Penal Code section defines lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14?

Which Penal Code section defines lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14?

• A. PC 187
• B. PC 459
• C. PC 288
• D. PC 417

Answer: (C)

Recognizing which Penal Code section covers sexual offenses against a child is the key idea here. Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 is defined in Penal Code section 288. This statute targets sexual conduct that is lewd or lascivious and performed with a child who is younger than 14, where the offender is not the child and the conduct is of a sexual nature. The age limit under 14 is what makes this offense distinct from crimes involving older minors. Because of the seriousness of exploiting a child, this offense carries significant penalties, with additional consequences possible under related subsections or enhancements. The other options correspond to different crimes (murder, burglary, drawing or exhibiting a weapon) and do not define lewd acts with a child, so they aren’t applicable to this specific offense.

Recognizing which Penal Code section covers sexual offenses against a child is the key idea here. Lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 is defined in Penal Code section 288. This statute targets sexual conduct that is lewd or lascivious and performed with a child who is younger than 14, where the offender is not the child and the conduct is of a sexual nature. The age limit under 14 is what makes this offense distinct from crimes involving older minors. Because of the seriousness of exploiting a child, this offense carries significant penalties, with additional consequences possible under related subsections or enhancements. The other options correspond to different crimes (murder, burglary, drawing or exhibiting a weapon) and do not define lewd acts with a child, so they aren’t applicable to this specific offense.