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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Most states prosecute educators (teachers) for improper sexual contact with students under the state’s statutory rape laws—which are premised on the student being under the age of consent recognized by law, even if the student was a willing participant.

But some states have enacted specific statutes making it a crime—often a felony—for an educator to have sexual contact with a student—even if the student has reached the age of consent (17 years of age, for example).

Laws vary from state to state, and laws governing sexual contact between educators and students are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alaska, it is a criminal offense for an educator to engage in sexual contact with a student. The state's laws consider such conduct as an abuse of a position of authority. Alaska Statute § 11.41.436 specifically addresses 'Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the Third Degree,' which includes situations where a person in a position of authority engages in sexual contact with a minor who is at least 16 years old but under 18 years old. This statute is applicable even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16 in Alaska. The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance between educators and students and criminalizes sexual relationships to protect minors from exploitation. Violations of these laws can result in felony charges, with serious legal consequences including imprisonment and registration as a sex offender.

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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Alaska State Code

Alaska State Code

Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Articles