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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 Missouri, it is illegal for an educator to engage in sexual contact with a student, regardless of the student's age or consent. Missouri law specifically addresses the issue of educator-student sexual conduct under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 566.086, which makes it a crime for a teacher or school employee to have sexual contact with a student who is less than 21 years old and who attends the school where the teacher or employee works. This law applies even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 17 in Missouri. Violation of this statute is considered a felony, and the severity of the charges can vary depending on the circumstances of the offense. The law is designed to protect students from exploitation by individuals in positions of authority and trust within educational institutions.

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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Missouri State Code

Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Missouri State Code

Articles