Part IV · Punitive Articles
Article 120. Rape and sexual assault generally · MCM ¶ 60
2024 Manual for Courts-Martial, United States
See all changes(a) Text of statute.
(a) RAPE.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(1) using unlawful force against that other person;
(2) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person;
(3) threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person will be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping;
(4) first rendering that other person unconscious; or
(5) administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct; is guilty of rape and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(b) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—Any person subject to this chapter who—
(1) commits a sexual act upon another person by—
(A) threatening or placing that other person in fear;
(B) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act serves a professional purpose; or
(C) inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the person is another person;
(2) commits a sexual act upon another person—
(A) without the consent of the other person; or
(B) when the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act is occurring;
(3) commits a sexual act upon another person when the other person is incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to—
(A) impairment by any drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; or
(B) a mental disease or defect, or physical disability, and that condition is known or reasonably should be known by the person; is guilty of sexual assault and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(c) AGGRAVATED SEXUAL CONTACT.— Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (a) (rape) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of aggravated sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(d) ABUSIVE SEXUAL CONTACT.—Any person subject to this chapter who commits or causes sexual contact upon or by another person, if to do so would violate subsection (b) (sexual assault) had the sexual contact been a sexual act, is guilty of abusive sexual contact and shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
(e) PROOF OF THREAT.—In a prosecution under this section, in proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
(f) DEFENSES.—An accused may raise any applicable defenses available under this chapter or the Rules for Court-Martial. Marriage is not a defense for any conduct in issue in any prosecution under this section.
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
(1) SEXUAL ACT.—The term “sexual act” means—
(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;
(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or
(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(2) SEXUAL CONTACT.—The term “sexual contact” means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.
(3) GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM.—The term “grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.
(4) FORCE.—The term “force” means—
(A) the use of a weapon;
(B) the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or
(C) inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
(5) UNLAWFUL FORCE.—The term “unlawful force” means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.
(6) THREATENING OR PLACING THAT OTHER PERSON IN FEAR.—The term “threatening or placing that other person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(7) CONSENT.—
(A) The term “consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(B) A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent. A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm or to being rendered unconscious. A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear or under the circumstances described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of subsection (b)(1).
(C) All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
(8) INCAPABLE OF CONSENTING.—The term “incapable of consenting” means the person is—
(A) incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue; or
(B) physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, the sexual act at issue.
(b) Elements.
(1) Rape.
(a) By unlawful force.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed a sexual act upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual act due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact.
(a) By force.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so with unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to any person.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by first rendering that other person unconscious.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by administering to that other person by force or threat of force, or without the knowledge or consent of that person, a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance and thereby substantially impairing the ability of that other person to appraise or control conduct.
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon or by another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by threatening or placing that other person in fear.
(b) By fraudulent representation.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose.
(c) By artifice, pretense, or concealment.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so by inducing a belief by any artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
(d) Without consent.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person; and
(ii) That the accused did so without the consent of the other person.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the contact is occurring.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that the other person was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring.
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting.
(i) That the accused committed sexual contact upon another person;
(ii) That the other person was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact due to:
(A) Impairment by any drug, intoxicant or other similar substance; or
(B) A mental disease or defect, or physical disability; and
(iii) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known of that condition.
(c) Explanation.
(1) In general. Sexual offenses have been separated into three statutes: offenses against adults (Art. 120), offenses against children (Art. 120b), and other offenses (Art. 120c).
(2) Definitions. The terms are defined in subparagraph 60.a.(g).
(3) Victim sexual behavior or predisposition and privilege. See Mil. R. Evid. 412 concerning rules of evidence relating to the sexual behavior or predisposition of the victim of an alleged sexual offense. See Mil. R. Evid. 514 concerning rules of evidence relating to privileged communications between the victim and victim advocate.
(4) Scope of “threatening or placing that other person in fear.” For purposes of this offense, the phrase “wrongful action” within Article 120(g)(6) (defining “threatening or placing that other person in fear”) includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act or sexual contact with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or contact; and threats to withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused’s requested sexual act or sexual contact. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused’s desired sexual act or sexual contact would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(d) Maximum punishment.
(1) Rape. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances and confinement for life without eligibility for parole. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(2) Sexual assault. Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 30 years. Mandatory minimum—Dismissal or dishonorable discharge.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 20 years.
(4) Abusive sexual contact. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 7 years.
(e) Sample specifications.
(1) Rape.
(a) By force. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ________________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and __________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:__________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to _______, to wit:______________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________ 20______, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ____________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (___________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening ______) (placing ______ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20____, commit a sexual act upon __________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ______________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by first rendering __________ unconscious by____________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance. In that ___________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________ by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (__________’s body part) (an object) to wit:___________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to __________ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of __________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (list other similar substance), to wit: ___________, thereby substantially impairing the ability of __________to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
(2) Sexual assault.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon _________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ___________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (_________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening _______) (placing_______ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________20__, commit a sexual act upon ___________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose, to wit:_______________.
(c) By false pretense. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d) Without consent. In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________20__, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus),] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], without the consent of ___________.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ______20__, commit a sexual act upon_________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when (he) (she) knew or reasonably should have known that _______ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual act was occurring due to __________).
(f) When the other person is incapable of consenting. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20__, commit a sexual act upon _______, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when ________was incapable of consenting to the sexual act because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: __________) (an intoxicant, to wit:_________) (________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:___________) (mental defect, to wit:___________) (physical disability, to wit:__________)], and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
(3) Aggravated sexual contact.
(a) By force. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20____, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________] by using unlawful force.
(b) By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20__, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to ________, to wit: ___________.
(c) By threatening or placing that other person in fear that any person would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping. In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _________) (placing __________ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
(d) By first rendering that other person unconscious. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20____, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by rendering _________ unconscious by__________________.
(e) By administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________ 20___, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by administering to _______ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of _________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (______) thereby substantially impairing the ability of _______ to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct..
(4) Abusive sexual contact.
(a) By threatening or placing that other person in fear. In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20__, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _______) (placing __________ in fear).
(b) By fraudulent representation. In that ____________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20__, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose, to wit: __________.
(c) By false pretense. In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________ 20__, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
(d) Without consent. In that ______(personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20___, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of ________] without the consent of _____.
(e) Of a person who is asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware the act is occurring. In that ______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________ 20____, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when (he) (she) (knew) (reasonably should have known) that __________ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual contact was occurring due to ___________).
(f) When that person is incapable of consenting. In that _______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _______ 20_____, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when _________ was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: ____________) (an intoxicant, to wit: __________) (_________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit: _________) (mental defect, to wit: _____________) (physical disability, to wit: ____________)] and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition..
Information on this tab is reproduced from the U.S. Army Military Judges’ Benchbook (Electronic Benchbook v2.70, updated 2026-05-26). It is for informational purposes only to compare to the text on the Manual for Courts-Martial on the MCM tab. Always check the current EBB to make sure you’re reviewing the most recent information.
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
DD, TF, life without eligibility for parole, E-1. A dishonorable discharge or a dismissal is a mandatory minimum sentence for this offense. (Category 4)
Sample specification
By Force:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon ______, by [penetrating ______’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with ______’s penis] [causing contact between _______'s mouth and ________'s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______'s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______'s body part) (an object) to wit: ________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _________] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using unlawful force.
By Force Likely to Cause Death or Grievous Bodily Harm:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon ______, by [penetrating ______’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with ______’s penis] [causing contact between _______'s mouth and ________'s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______'s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______'s body part) (an object) to wit: ________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _________] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to _____________, to wit: _______________.
By Threatening or Placing in Fear:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon ______, by [penetrating ______’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with ______’s penis] [causing contact between _______'s mouth and ________'s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______'s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______'s body part) (an object) to wit: ________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _________] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening _________) (placing _________ in fear) that _________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
By First Rendering Unconscious:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon ______, by [penetrating ______’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with ______’s penis] [causing contact between _______'s mouth and ________'s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______'s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______'s body part) (an object) to wit: ________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _________] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by first rendering ___________ unconscious by _______________.
By Administering Drug/Intoxicant/Other Similar Substance:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did, (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon ______, by [penetrating ______’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with ______’s penis] [causing contact between _______'s mouth and ________'s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______'s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______'s body part) (an object) to wit: ________, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _________] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by administering to __________ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of __________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (list other similar substance), to wit: _____________, thereby substantially impairing the ability of _________ to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
Elements
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual act); and
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) using unlawful force against (state the name of the alleged victim).
(b) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to (state the name of the person alleged), to wit: (state the alleged force).
(c) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear that (state the name of the person alleged) would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) first rendering (state the name of the alleged victim) unconscious.
(e) administering to (state the name of the alleged victim) a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance (by force or threat of force) (without the knowledge or consent of (state the name of the alleged victim)), thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct.
Definitions & other instructions
“Sexual act” means:
(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;
(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or
(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(The “vulva” is the external genital organs of the female, including the entrance of the vagina and the labia majora and labia minora. “Labia” is the Latin and medically correct term for “lips.”)
NOTE 2. By unlawful force. When the sexual act is alleged by unlawful force, include the following instruction:
“Unlawful force” means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.
“Force” means the use of a weapon; the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
NOTE 3. By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. When the sexual act is alleged by force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm, include the following instruction:
“Force” means the use of a weapon; the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
“Grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.
(The force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm which caused the victim to engage in the sexual act need not have been applied by the accused to the victim. It is sufficient if the accused applied such force to any person, which thereby caused the victim to engage in the sexual act.)
NOTE 4. By threat or placing in fear. When the sexual act is alleged by threat or by placing in fear, include the following instruction:
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(“Wrongful action,” as used here, includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action or withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused's requested sexual act. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused's desired sexual act would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.)
In proving that the accused made a threat, it need not be proven that the accused actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
NOTE 5. By threat or placing in fear. In the context of a Stalking offense, the Supreme Court held that there is a greater mens rea requirement when an alleged threat involves ONLY speech. Counterman v. Colorado, 600 US 66 (2023). If the course of conduct alleged involves ONLY speech, then the judge should consider providing the below instruction in addition to the instruction following NOTE 4:
However, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused consciously disregarded a substantial risk that (state the name of alleged victim) would be placed in reasonable fear that (state the name of alleged victim’s) non-compliance would result in (state the name of alleged victim) or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication.
(“Grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.)
(“Kidnapping” means the wrongful seizure or confinement and holding of a person against their will. “Wrongful” means without legal justification or excuse. “Holding” means detention. The detention must be more than a momentary or incidental detention. “Against their will” means that the person was held involuntarily. The involuntary nature of the detention may result from force, mental or physical coercion, or from other means, including false representations. (If the person is incapable of having a recognizable will, as in the case of a very young child or a mentally incompetent person, the holding must be against the will of the person’s parents or legal guardian.))
(The person to be (killed) (subjected to grievous bodily harm) (kidnapped) need not be the victim. It is sufficient if the accused threatened or placed the victim in fear that any person would be (killed) (subjected to grievous bodily harm) (kidnapped), which thereby caused the victim to engage in the sexual act.)
NOTE 6. Marriage. Marriage is not a defense to any offense in violation of Article 120. If necessary, include the following instruction:
Marriage is not a defense to this offense.
NOTE 7. Instructing on consent. The issue of “consent” may arise in two ways. First, lack of consent is an element when the accused is charged with rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance without the consent of the alleged victim. Lack of consent is not an element when the accused is charged with rape by any other method (to include when the accused is charged with administering a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance by force or by threat of force). See US v. Neal, 68 MJ 289, 302-304 (CAAF 2010) (statutory definition of “force” does not imply an element of lack of consent). Second, evidence of the alleged victim’s consent to the sexual conduct might be introduced with respect to any rape allegation in order to negate the elements of the offense. Generally, the elements of an Article 120(a) offense require the accused to have committed sexual conduct “by” a certain method. Stated another way, “by” means the sexual conduct occurred because of that method. Consent to the sexual conduct logically precludes that causal link; when the alleged victim consented, the sexual conduct occurred because of the consent, not because of the charged method. Accordingly, evidence that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct may be relevant to negate an element, even though lack of consent may not be a separate element. If consent evidence has been introduced to negate other elements of the charged offense, give the second parenthetical below, along with the appropriately tailored definitions of consent. If lack of consent to the administration of a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance is an element of the charged offense, give the first parenthetical below, along with the appropriately tailored definitions of consent.
IF LACK OF CONSENT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF A DRUG, INTOXICANT, OR SIMILAR SUBSTANCE IS AN ELEMENT, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (As I previously advised you, in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___), the accused is charged with the offense of rape by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to (state the name of the alleged victim) without his/her knowledge or consent, thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct. For this offense, lack of consent to the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance is an element of the offense.)
IF CONSENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO NEGATE OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGED OFFENSE, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (The evidence has (also) raised the issue of whether (state the name of the alleged victim) consented to the sexual conduct listed in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___). All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government has proven (the elements of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by state the applicable element). Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by state the applicable element).
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.)
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)
(A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear.)
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.)
(An “incompetent person” is a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue, or physically incapable of declining participation in or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act at issue.)
All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
NOTE 8. Mistake of Fact. The military judge must determine whether a mistake of fact has been raised by the evidence. See RCM 916(j). When the evidence has reasonably raised mistake of fact (e.g., mistake of fact as to consent to the sexual conduct or as to knowledge of or consent to the administration of a drug, intoxicant, or other substance), include the following instruction on honest and reasonable mistake of fact. The judge must carefully evaluate the evidence presented by both sides in such cases to determine the applicability of the following instruction. If instructing on an attempted offense, the honest mistake of fact instruction in Instruction 5-13-1 should be given instead of this instruction.
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (the) specification(s) (___) of (the) (additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that [(state the name of the victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged] [(state the name of the victim) (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________] concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [the other person (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________].
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [the other person (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________]. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [the alleged victim (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________], the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [the alleged victim (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________], if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
NOTE 9. Voluntary intoxication and mistake of fact. If the above mistake of fact instruction is given, and there is evidence of the accused’s voluntary intoxication, the following instruction is appropriate.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense(s). On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
References
Definition of “vulva.” See US v Williams, 25 MJ 854 (AFCMR 1988) pet. denied, 27 MJ 166 (CMA 1988); Definition of “competent person.” See US v. Pease, 75 MJ 180 (CAAF 2016).
Source: Instruction 3a-60-1 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
DD, TF, 30 years, E-1. A dishonorable discharge or a dismissal is a mandatory minimum sentence for this offense. (Category 3)
Sample specification
By Threatening or Placing That Other Person in Fear:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon _________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ___________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (_________’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by (threatening _______) (placing_______ in fear).
By Fraudulent Representation:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about ___________, commit a sexual act upon ___________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose, to wit:_______________.
By False Pretense:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
Without Consent:
In that __________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about __________, commit a sexual act upon __________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus),] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], without the consent of ___________.
Of a Person Who is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware the Act is Occurring:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about ________, commit a sexual act upon_________, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when (he) (she) knew or reasonably should have known that _______ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual act was occurring due to __________).
When the Other Person Is Incapable of Consenting:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location), on or about ________ __, commit a sexual act upon _______, by [penetrating ___________’s (vulva) (anus) (mouth) with __________’s penis] [causing contact between _______’s mouth and ________’s (penis) (vulva) (scrotum) (anus)] [penetrating _______’s (vulva) (penis) (anus) with (______’s body part) (an object) to wit:______, with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________]], when ________was incapable of consenting to the sexual act because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: __________) (an intoxicant, to wit:_________) (________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit:___________) (mental defect, to wit:___________) (physical disability, to wit:__________)], and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
Elements
Sexual Assault by Threat/Fear, Fraudulent Representation, or Artifice:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual act); and
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear;
(b) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose;
(c) inducing a belief by artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
Sexual Assault Without Consent:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual act); and
(2) That the accused did so without the consent of (state the name of the alleged victim).
Sexual Assault When Victim is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual act);
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring; and
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware that the sexual act was occurring due to __________).
Sexual Assault When the Victim is Incapable of Consenting:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused committed (a) sexual act(s) upon (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual act);
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability); and
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability).
Definitions & other instructions
“Sexual act” means:
(A) the penetration, however slight, of the penis into the vulva or anus or mouth;
(B) contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, scrotum, or anus; or
(C) the penetration, however slight, of the vulva or penis or anus of another by any part of the body or any object, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.
(The “vulva” is the external genital organs of the female, including the entrance of the vagina and the labia majora and labia minora. “Labia” is the Latin and medically correct term for “lips.”)
NOTE 2. Threat or placing in fear. When the sexual act is alleged by threat or by placing in fear, include the following instruction:
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(“Wrongful action,” as used here, includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action or withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused's requested sexual act. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused's desired sexual act would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.)
The threat or fear in this case must be that the alleged victim or another person would be subjected to the wrongful action.
In proving that the accused made a threat, it need not be proven that the accused actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
NOTE 3. By threat or placing in fear. In the context of a Stalking offense, the Supreme Court held that there is a greater mens rea requirement when an alleged threat involves ONLY speech. Counterman v. Colorado, 600 US 66 (2023). If the course of conduct alleged involves ONLY speech, then the judge should consider providing the below instruction in addition to the instruction following NOTE 2:
However, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused consciously disregarded a substantial risk that (state the name of alleged victim) would be placed in reasonable fear that (state the name of alleged victim’s) non-compliance would result in (state the name of alleged victim) or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication.
NOTE 4. Fraudulent representation. When the sexual act is alleged by making a fraudulent representation that it serves a professional purpose, the following may be appropriate:
A “fraudulent representation” is a representation of fact, which the accused knows to be untrue, which is intended to deceive, which does in fact deceive, and which causes the other person to engage in the sexual act(s).
(The fraudulent representation that the sexual act served a professional purpose need not have been made by the accused to (state the name of the alleged victim). It is sufficient if the accused made such a fraudulent representation to any person, which thereby caused (state the name of the alleged victim) to engage in the sexual act.)
NOTE 5. Incapable of consenting. When the offense alleges the victim was incapable of consenting, include the following instruction:
“Incapable of consenting” means the person is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue or physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, the sexual act at issue.
NOTE 6. Marriage. Marriage is not a defense to any offense in violation of Article 120. If necessary, include the following instruction:
Marriage is not a defense to this offense.
NOTE 7. Instructions on consent when “without consent” is an element of the charged offense. Before instructing on consent, judges must be familiar with US v. Mendoza, 85 MJ 213 (CAAF 2024). In Mendoza, CAAF held that Article 120(b)(2)(A) (without consent) and Article 120(b)(3)(A) (incapable of consenting due to impairment by drug, intoxicant, or similar substance) “create two separate theories of criminal liability.” In Mendoza, the Accused was charged only with Article 120(b)(2)(A) (without consent). During trial, however, the Government presented significant evidence of the victim’s “heavy drinking” and “blacking out.” CAAF wrote that the “Government’s approach - which conflated two different and inconsistent theories of liability - raises significant due process concerns.” In light of CAAF’s concerns, judges must (1) carefully tailor the definition of consent to conform to the charging decision and (2) ensure that counsel’s argument is consistent with the charging decision. Use the following instructions on “consent” if the sexual act is alleged to have been performed “without the consent” of the alleged victim under Article 120(b)(2)(A); otherwise, skip to the next NOTE:
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent. All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
NOTE 8. Instructions on consent when “without consent” is NOT an element of the charged offense. Use the instructions on “consent” following this NOTE if the sexual act is alleged to have been performed in a manner other than “without the consent” of the alleged victim under Article 120(b)(2)(a). Evidence of the alleged victim’s consent to the sexual conduct may be relevant, even for offenses that do not include “lack of consent” as an element. Generally, the elements of an Article 120(b) offense require the accused to have committed sexual conduct “by” a certain method or “when” the alleged victim was in a certain state. Stated another way, “by” means the sexual conduct occurred because of that method, and “when” means the sexual conduct occurred while the alleged victim was in a state that precluded consent. Consent to the sexual conduct logically precludes these causal links; when the alleged victim consented, the sexual conduct occurred because of the consent, not because of the charged method. Accordingly, evidence that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct may be relevant to negate an element, even though lack of consent may not be a separate element. In such situations the following instruction, properly tailored, would be appropriate.
All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government has proven (the elements of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by _____________) (state the element(s) to which the evidence concerning consent relates) beyond a reasonable doubt. Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done (by) (when) _____________).
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)
(A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear.)
(A person cannot consent when believing, due to a fraudulent representation, that the sexual act served a professional purpose, or when believing, due to artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.)
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.)
(An “incompetent person” is a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue, or physically incapable of declining participation in or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act at issue.)
All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
NOTE 9. Mistake of fact. The military judge must determine whether a mistake of fact has been raised by the evidence. See RCM 916(j). When the evidence has reasonably raised mistake of fact (e.g., mistake of fact as to consent to the sexual conduct), include the following instruction on honest and reasonable mistake of fact. The judge must carefully evaluate the evidence presented by both sides in such cases to determine the applicability of the following instruction. If instructing on an attempted offense, the honest mistake of fact instruction in Instruction 5-13-1 should be given instead of this instruction.
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (the) specification(s) (___) of (the) (additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that [(state the name of the victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged] [__________] concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [__________].
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [__________]. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [__________], the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [__________], if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
NOTE 10. Voluntary intoxication and mistake of fact. If there is evidence of the accused’s voluntary intoxication, the following instruction is appropriate in conjunction with a mistake of fact instruction:
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense(s). On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
NOTE 11. Voluntary intoxication and “knew or reasonably should have known.” When the accused is charged with sexual assault of a person who was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring, or a person who was incapable of consenting to the sexual act, and there is evidence that the accused was intoxicated, the following instruction may be appropriate with respect to whether the accused “knew or reasonably should have known” the alleged victim’s state.
The evidence has raised the issue of voluntary intoxication in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)). With respect to (that) (those) offense(s), I advised you earlier that the government is required to prove that the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
In deciding whether the accused had such knowledge, you should consider the evidence of voluntary intoxication.
The law recognizes that a person’s ordinary thought process may be materially affected when under the influence of intoxicants. Thus, evidence that the accused was intoxicated may, either alone or together with other evidence in the case, cause you to have a reasonable doubt that the accused had the required knowledge.
On the other hand, the fact that the accused may have been intoxicated at the time of the offense(s) does not necessarily indicate that he/she was unable to have the required knowledge because a person may be drunk yet still be aware at that time of his/her actions and their probable results.
In deciding whether the accused had the required knowledge, you should consider the effect of intoxication, if any, as well as the other evidence in the case.
The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused in fact had the required knowledge, the accused will not avoid criminal responsibility because of voluntary intoxication.
However, on the question of whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)], you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because what a person reasonably should have known refers to what an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have reasonably known under the circumstances of this case.
In summary, voluntary intoxication should be considered in determining whether the accused had actual knowledge that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)]. Voluntary intoxication should not be considered in determining whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual act was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual act(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
References
: Definition of “vulva.” See US v Williams, 25 MJ 854 (AFCMR 1988) pet denied, 27 MJ 166 (CMA 1988) ; Definition of “competent person.” See US v. Pease, 75 MJ 180 (CAAF 2016). Distinction between sleeping, unconscious, and otherwise unaware. See US v Sager, 76 MJ 158 (CAAF 2017). Distinction between without consent and incapable of consenting. See US v Mendoza, 85 MJ 213 (CAAF 2024). Distinction between without consent and placing in fear. See US v Riggins, 75 MJ 78 (CAAF 2016).
Source: Instruction 3a-60-2 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
DD, TF, 20 years, E-1. (Category 3)
Sample specification
By Force:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________] by using unlawful force.
By Force Likely to Cause Death or Grievous Bodily Harm:
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about _________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by using force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to ________, to wit: ___________.
By Threatening or Placing That Other Person in Fear That Any Person Would Be Subjected to Death, Grievous Bodily Harm, or Kidnapping:
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ____________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _________) (placing __________ in fear) that ___________ would be subjected to (death) (grievous bodily harm) (kidnapping).
By First Rendering That Other Person Unconscious:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ________ 20____, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by rendering _________ unconscious by__________________.
By Administering a Drug, Intoxicant, or Other Similar Substance:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ______________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by administering to _______ (by force) (by threat of force) (without the knowledge or permission of _________) a (drug) (intoxicant) (______) thereby substantially impairing the ability of _______ to appraise or control (his) (her) conduct.
Elements
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [committed sexual contact upon] [caused a sexual contact to be committed upon] (state name of the alleged victim), by (state the alleged sexual contact); and
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) using unlawful force against (state the name of the alleged victim).
(b) using force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to (state the name of the person alleged), to wit: (state the alleged force).
(c) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear that (state the name of the person alleged) would be subjected to death, grievous bodily harm, or kidnapping.
(d) first rendering (state the name of the alleged victim) unconscious.
(e) administering to (state the name of the alleged victim) a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance (by force or threat of force) (without the knowledge or consent of (state the name of the alleged victim)), thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct.
Definitions & other instructions
“Sexual contact” means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.
(The “vulva” is the external genital organs of the female, including the entrance of the vagina and the labia majora and labia minora. “Labia” is the Latin and medically correct term for “lips.”)
NOTE 2. By unlawful force. When the sexual contact is alleged by unlawful force, include the following instruction:
“Unlawful force” means an act of force done without legal justification or excuse.
“Force” means the use of a weapon; the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
NOTE 3. By force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. When the sexual contact is alleged by force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm, include the following instruction:
“Force” means the use of a weapon; the use of such physical strength or violence as is sufficient to overcome, restrain, or injure a person; or inflicting physical harm sufficient to coerce or compel submission by the victim.
“Grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.
(The force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm which caused the alleged victim to engage in the sexual contact need not have been applied by the accused to the alleged victim. It is sufficient if the accused applied such force to any person, which thereby caused the alleged victim to engage in the sexual contact.)
NOTE 4. By threat or placing in fear. When the sexual contact is alleged by threat or by placing in fear, include the following instruction:
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(“Wrongful action,” as used here, includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual act with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action or withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused's requested sexual act. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused's desired sexual act would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.)
In proving that the accused made a threat, it need not be proven that the accused actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
NOTE 5. By threat or placing in fear. In the context of a Stalking offense, the Supreme Court held that there is a greater mens rea requirement when an alleged threat involves ONLY speech. Counterman v. Colorado, 600 US 66 (2023). If the course of conduct alleged involves ONLY speech, then the judge should consider providing the below instruction in addition to the instruction following NOTE 4:
However, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused consciously disregarded a substantial risk that (state the name of alleged victim) would be placed in reasonable fear that (state the name of alleged victim’s) non-compliance would result in (state the name of alleged victim) or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication.
(“Grievous bodily harm” means serious bodily injury. It includes fractured or dislocated bones, deep cuts, torn members of the body, serious damage to internal organs, and other severe bodily injuries. It does not include minor injuries such as a black eye or a bloody nose.)
(“Kidnapping” means the wrongful seizure or confinement and holding of a person against their will. “Wrongful” means without legal justification or excuse. “Holding” means detention. The detention must be more than a momentary or incidental detention. “Against their will” means that the person was held involuntarily. The involuntary nature of the detention may result from force, mental or physical coercion, or from other means, including false representations. (If the person is incapable of having a recognizable will, as in the case of a very young child or a mentally incompetent person, the holding must be against the will of the person’s parents or legal guardian.))
(The person to be (killed) (subjected to grievous bodily harm) (kidnapped) need not be the alleged victim. It is sufficient if the accused threatened or placed the alleged victim in fear that any person would be (killed) (subjected to grievous bodily harm) (kidnapped), which thereby caused the alleged victim to engage in the sexual contact.)
NOTE 6. Marriage. Marriage is not a defense to any offense in violation of Article 120. If necessary, include the following instruction:
Marriage is not a defense to this offense.
NOTE 7. Instructing on consent. The issue of “consent” may arise in two ways. First, lack of consent is an element when the accused is charged with aggravated sexual contact by administering a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance without the consent of the alleged victim. Lack of consent is not an element when the accused is charged with aggravated sexual contact by any other method (to include when the accused is charged with administering a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance by force or by threat of force). See US v. Neal, 68 MJ 289, 302-304 (CAAF 2010) (statutory definition of “force” does not imply an element of lack of consent). Second, evidence of the alleged victim’s consent to the sexual conduct might be introduced with respect to any aggravated sexual contact allegation in order to negate the elements of the offense. Generally, the elements of an Article 120(c) offense require the accused to have committed sexual conduct “by” a certain method. Stated another way, “by” means the sexual conduct occurred because of that method. Consent to the sexual conduct logically precludes that causal link; when the alleged victim consented, the sexual conduct occurred because of the consent, not because of the charged method. Accordingly, evidence that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct may be relevant to negate an element, even though lack of consent may not be a separate element. If consent evidence has been introduced to negate other elements of the charged offense, give the second parenthetical below, along with the appropriately tailored definitions of consent. If lack of consent to the administration of a drug, intoxicant, or similar substance is an element of the charged offense, give the first parenthetical below, along with the appropriately tailored definition of consent.
IF LACK OF CONSENT TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF A DRUG, INTOXICANT, OR SIMILAR SUBSTANCE IS AN ELEMENT, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (As I previously advised you, in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___), the accused is charged with the offense of aggravated sexual contact by administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance to (state the name of the alleged victim) without his/her knowledge or consent, thereby substantially impairing the ability of (state the name of the alleged victim) to appraise or control his/her conduct. For this offense, lack of consent to the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance is an element of the offense.)
IF CONSENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO NEGATE OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CHARGED OFFENSE, GIVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION: (The evidence has (also) raised the issue of whether (state the name of the alleged victim) consented to the sexual conduct listed in (The) Specification(s) (__________) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___). All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government has proven (the elements of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by state the applicable element). Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done by state the applicable element).
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent.
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.)
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)
(A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear.)
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.)
(An “incompetent person” is a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue, or physically incapable of declining participation in or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act at issue.)
All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.
NOTE 8. Mistake of Fact. The military judge must determine whether a mistake of fact has been raised by the evidence. See RCM 916(j). When the evidence has reasonably raised mistake of fact (e.g., mistake of fact as to consent to the sexual conduct or as to knowledge of or consent to the administration of a drug, intoxicant, or other substance), include the following instruction on honest and reasonable mistake of fact. The judge must carefully evaluate the evidence presented by both sides in such cases to determine the applicability of the following instruction. If instructing on an attempted offense, the honest mistake of fact instruction in Instruction 5-13-1 should be given instead of this instruction.
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (The) Specification(s) (___) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that [(state the name of the alleged victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged] [(state the name of the alleged victim) (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________] concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [the other person (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________].
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [the other person (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________]. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [the alleged victim (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________], the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [the alleged victim (knew of) (consented to) the administration of the drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance] [__________], if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
NOTE 9. Voluntary intoxication and mistake of fact. If the above mistake of fact instruction is given, and there is evidence of the accused’s voluntary intoxication, the following instruction is appropriate.
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense(s). On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
References
Definition of “vulva.” See US v Williams, 25 MJ 854 (AFCMR 1988) pet. denied, 27 MJ 166 (CMA 1988) ; Definition of “competent person.” See US v. Pease, 75 MJ 180 (CAAF 2016).
Source: Instruction 3a-60-3 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil
NOTE 1. If convicted of only offenses committed on or after 28 December 2023, the judge shall sentence the accused in accordance with the sentencing parameters or criteria, as appropriate, or state reasons for deviating in writing. See RCM 925(c)(2), RCM 1002(a)(2), Appendices 12B (Parameter Table-Confinement Categories), 12C (Offense Category Chart), and 12D (List of Criteria Offenses), 2024 MCM.
Maximum punishment
DD, TF, 7 years, E-1. (Category 2)
Sample specification
By Threatening or Placing That Other Person in Fear:
In that ________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ____________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by (threatening _______) (placing __________ in fear).
By Fraudulent Representation:
In that ____________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by making a fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose, to wit: __________.
By False Pretense:
In that _________ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ___________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], by inducing a belief by (artifice) (pretense) (concealment) that the said accused was another person.
Without Consent:
In that ______(personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about __________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) ______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of ________] without the consent of _____.
Of a Person Who Is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware the Act is Occurring:
In that ______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ______________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when (he) (she) (knew) (reasonably should have known) that __________ was (asleep) (unconscious) (unaware the sexual contact was occurring due to ___________).
When that Person is Incapable of Consenting:
In that _______ (personal jurisdiction data), did (at/on board—location) (subject-matter jurisdiction data, if required), on or about ____________, [(touch) (cause ____ to touch)] [(directly) (through the clothing)] the (vulva) (penis) (scrotum) (anus) (groin) (breast) (inner thigh) (buttocks) of ________, with [(______’s body part) (an object), to wit: _______] with an intent to [(abuse) (humiliate) (harass) (degrade) _______] [(arouse) (gratify) the sexual desire of _________], when _________ was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact because (he) (she) [was impaired by (a drug, to wit: ____________) (an intoxicant, to wit: __________) (_________)] [had a (mental disease, to wit: _________) (mental defect, to wit: _____________) (physical disability, to wit: ____________)] and the accused (knew) (reasonably should have known) of that condition.
Elements
Abusive Sexual Contact by Threat/Fear, Fraudulent Representation, or Artifice:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [committed sexual contact upon] [caused ________ to commit sexual contact upon] (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual contact); and
(2) That the accused did so by
(a) threatening or placing (state the name of the alleged victim) in fear;
(b) making a fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose;
(c) inducing a belief by artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.
Abusive Sexual Contact Without Consent:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [committed sexual contact upon] [caused ________ to commit sexual contact upon] (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual contact); and
(2) That the accused did so without the consent of (state the name of the alleged victim).
Abusive Sexual Contact When Victim is Asleep, Unconscious, or Otherwise Unaware:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [committed sexual contact upon] [caused ________ to commit sexual contact upon] (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual contact);
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring; and
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring.
Abusive Sexual Contact When Victim is Incapable of Consenting:
(1) That (state the time and place alleged), the accused [committed sexual contact upon] [caused ________ to commit sexual contact upon] (state the name of the alleged victim) by (state the alleged sexual contact);
(2) That the accused did so when (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability); and
(3) That the accused knew or reasonably should have known (state the name of the alleged victim) was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability).
Definitions & other instructions
“Sexual contact” means touching, or causing another person to touch, either directly or through the clothing, the vulva, penis, scrotum, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, or degrade any person or to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. Touching may be accomplished by any part of the body or an object.
NOTE 2. Threat or placing in fear. When the sexual contact is alleged by threat or by placing in fear, include the following instruction:
“Threatening or placing a person in fear” means a communication or action that is of sufficient consequence to cause a reasonable fear that non-compliance will result in the victim or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.
(“Wrongful action,” as used here, includes an abuse of military rank, position, or authority in order to engage in a sexual contact with a victim. This includes, but is not limited to, threats to initiate an adverse personnel action or withhold a favorable personnel action unless the victim submits to the accused's requested sexual contact. Superiority in rank is a factor in, but not dispositive of, whether a reasonable person in the position of the victim would fear that his or her noncompliance with the accused's desired sexual contact would result in the threatened wrongful action contemplated by the communication or action.)
The threat or fear in this case must be that the alleged victim or another person would be subjected to the wrongful action.
In proving that a person made a threat, it need not be proven that the person actually intended to carry out the threat or had the ability to carry out the threat.
NOTE 3. By threat or placing in fear. In the context of a Stalking offense, the Supreme Court held that there is a greater mens rea requirement when an alleged threat involves ONLY speech. Counterman v. Colorado, 600 US 66 (2023). If the course of conduct alleged involves ONLY speech, then the judge should consider providing the below instruction in addition to the instruction following NOTE 2:
However, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused consciously disregarded a substantial risk that (state the name of alleged victim) would be placed in reasonable fear that (state the name of alleged victim’s) non-compliance would result in (state the name of alleged victim) or another person being subjected to the wrongful action contemplated by the communication.
NOTE 4. Fraudulent representation. When the sexual contact is alleged by making a fraudulent representation that it serves a professional purpose, the following may be appropriate:
A “fraudulent representation” is a representation of fact, which the accused knows to be untrue, which is intended to deceive, which does in fact deceive, and which causes the other person to engage in the sexual contact.
The fraudulent representation that the sexual contact served a professional purpose need not have been made by the accused to (state the name of the alleged victim). It is sufficient if the accused made such a fraudulent representation to any person, which thereby caused (state the name of the alleged victim) to engage in the sexual contact.
NOTE 5. Incapable of consenting. When the offense alleges the victim was incapable of consenting, include the following instruction:
“Incapable of consenting” means the person is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue or physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating unwillingness to engage in, the sexual contact at issue.
NOTE 6. Marriage. Marriage is not a defense to any offense in violation of Article 120. If necessary, include the following instruction:
Marriage is not a defense to this offense.
NOTE 7. Instructions on consent when “without consent” is an element of the charged offense. Before instructing on consent, judges must be familiar with US v. Mendoza, 85 MJ 213 (CAAF 2024). In Mendoza, CAAF held that Article 120(b)(2)(A) (without consent) and Article 120(b)(3)(A) (incapable of consenting due to impairment by drug, intoxicant, or similar substance) “create two separate theories of criminal liability.” In Mendoza, the Accused was charged only with Article 120(b)(2)(A) (without consent). During trial, however, the Government presented significant evidence of the victim’s “heavy drinking” and “blacking out.” CAAF wrote that the “Government’s approach - which conflated two different and inconsistent theories of liability - raises significant due process concerns.” In light of CAAF’s concerns, judges must (1) carefully tailor the definition of consent to conform to the charging decision and (2) ensure that counsel’s argument is consistent with the charging decision. Use the following instructions on “consent” if the sexual act is alleged to have been performed “without the consent” of the alleged victim under Article 120(b)(2)(A); otherwise, skip to the next NOTE:
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent. All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.>
NOTE 8. Instructions on consent when “without consent” is NOT an element of the charged offense. Use the instructions on “consent” following this NOTE if the sexual conduct is alleged to have been performed in a manner other than “without the consent” of the alleged victim under Article 120(b)(2)(a). Evidence of the alleged victim’s consent to the sexual conduct may be relevant, even for offenses that do not include “lack of consent” as an element. Generally, the elements of an Article 120(b) offense require the accused to have committed sexual conduct “by” a certain method or “when” the alleged victim was in a certain state. Stated another way, “by” means the sexual conduct occurred because of that method, and “when” means the sexual conduct occurred while the alleged victim was in a state that precluded consent. Consent to the sexual conduct logically precludes these causal links; when the alleged victim consented, the sexual conduct occurred because of the consent, not because of the charged method. Accordingly, evidence that the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct may be relevant to negate an element, even though lack of consent may not be a separate element. In such situations the following instruction, properly tailored, would be appropriate.
All of the evidence concerning consent to the sexual conduct is relevant and must be considered in determining whether the government met its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Stated another way, evidence the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct, either alone or in conjunction with the other evidence in this case, may cause you to have a reasonable doubt as to whether the government has proven (every element of the offense) (that the sexual conduct was done (by) (when) _____________).>
“Consent” means a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person. An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent. Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent. Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force, or placing another person in fear also does not constitute consent. A current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent. >
(A sleeping, unconscious, or incompetent person cannot consent.)>
(A person cannot consent to force causing or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm.)>
(A person cannot consent to being rendered unconscious.)>
(A person cannot consent while under threat or in fear.)>
(A person cannot consent when believing, due to a fraudulent representation, that the sexual contact served a professional purpose, or when believing, due to artifice, pretense, or concealment that the accused was another person.)>
(A “competent person” is a person who possesses the physical and mental ability to consent.) >
(An “incompetent person” is a person who is incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct at issue, or physically incapable of declining participation in or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act at issue.) >
All the surrounding circumstances are to be considered in determining whether a person gave consent.>
NOTE 9. Mistake of fact. The military judge must determine whether a mistake of fact has been raised by the evidence. See RCM 916(j). When the evidence has reasonably raised mistake of fact (e.g., mistake of fact as to consent to the sexual conduct), include the following instruction on honest and reasonable mistake of fact. The judge must carefully evaluate the evidence presented by both sides in such cases to determine the applicability of the following instruction. If instructing on an attempted offense, the honest mistake of fact instruction in Instruction 5-13-1 should be given instead of this instruction.
The evidence has raised the issue of mistake of fact in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)), as alleged in (The) Specification(s) (___) of (The) (Additional) Charge (___).
There has been (evidence) (testimony) tending to show that, at the time of the alleged offense(s), the accused mistakenly believed that [(state the name of the victim) consented to the sexual conduct alleged] [__________] concerning (this) (these) offense(s).
Mistake of fact is a defense to (that) (those) charged offense(s). “Mistake of fact” means the accused held, as a result of ignorance or mistake, an incorrect belief that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [__________].
The ignorance or mistake must have existed in the mind of the accused and must have been reasonable under all the circumstances. To be reasonable, the ignorance or mistake must have been based on information, or lack of it, that would indicate to a reasonable person that [the other person consented to the sexual conduct] [__________]. (Additionally, the ignorance or mistake cannot be based on the negligent failure to discover the true facts. “Negligence” is the absence of due care. “Due care” is what a reasonably careful person would do under the same or similar circumstances.)
You should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence presented on this matter. You should consider the accused’s (age) (education) (experience) (__________), along with the other evidence in this case (including, but not limited to (here the military judge may specify significant evidentiary factors bearing on the issue and indicate the respective contentions of counsel for both sides)).
The prosecution has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defense of mistake of fact did not exist. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that, at the time of the charged offense(s), the accused did not believe that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [__________], the defense does not exist. Furthermore, even if you conclude the accused was under a mistaken belief that [the alleged victim consented to the sexual conduct] [__________], if you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that at the time of the charged offense(s) the accused’s mistake was unreasonable, the defense does not exist.
NOTE 10. Voluntary intoxication and mistake of fact. If there is evidence of the accused’s voluntary intoxication, the following instruction is appropriate in conjunction with a mistake of fact instruction:
There has been some evidence concerning the accused’s state of intoxication at the time of the alleged offense. On the question of whether the accused’s (ignorance) (belief) was reasonable, you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because a reasonable (ignorance) (belief) is one that an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have under the circumstances of this case. Voluntary intoxication does not permit what would be an unreasonable (ignorance) (belief) in the mind of a sober person to be considered reasonable because the person is intoxicated.
NOTE 11. Voluntary intoxication and “knew or reasonably should have known.” When the accused is charged with abusive sexual contact of a person who was asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring, or a person who was incapable of consenting to the sexual contact, and there is evidence that the accused was intoxicated, the following instruction may be appropriate with respect to whether the accused “knew or reasonably should have known” the alleged victim’s state.
The evidence has raised the issue of voluntary intoxication in relation to the offense(s) of (state the alleged offense(s)). With respect to (that) (those) offense(s), I advised you earlier that the government is required to prove that the accused knew or reasonably should have known that (state the name of the alleged victim) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual contact(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
In deciding whether the accused had such knowledge, you should consider the evidence of voluntary intoxication.
The law recognizes that a person’s ordinary thought process may be materially affected when under the influence of intoxicants. Thus, evidence that the accused was intoxicated may, either alone or together with other evidence in the case, cause you to have a reasonable doubt that the accused had the required knowledge.
On the other hand, the fact that the accused may have been intoxicated at the time of the offense(s) does not necessarily indicate that he/she was unable to have the required knowledge because a person may be drunk yet still be aware at that time of his/her actions and their probable results.
In deciding whether the accused had the required knowledge, you should consider the effect of intoxication, if any, as well as the other evidence in the case.
The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish the guilt of the accused. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused in fact had the required knowledge, the accused will not avoid criminal responsibility because of voluntary intoxication.
However, on the question of whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual contact(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)],you may not consider the accused’s intoxication, if any, because what a person reasonably should have known refers to what an ordinary, prudent, sober adult would have reasonably known under the circumstances of this case.
In summary, voluntary intoxication should be considered in determining whether the accused had actual knowledge that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual contact(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)]. Voluntary intoxication should not be considered in determining whether the accused “reasonably should have known” that (state the name of the person alleged) was [asleep, unconscious, or otherwise unaware that the sexual contact was occurring] [incapable of consenting to the sexual contact(s) due to (impairment by a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance) (a mental disease or defect, or physical disability)].
References
: Definition of “vulva.” See US v Williams, 25 MJ 854 (AFCMR 1988) pet. denied, 27 MJ 166 (CMA 1988) ; Definition of “competent person.” See US v. Pease, 75 MJ 180 (CAAF 2016). Distinction between sleeping, unconscious, and otherwise unaware. See US v Sager, 76 MJ 158 (CAAF 2017). Distinction between without consent and incapable of consenting. See US v Mendoza, 85 MJ 213 (CAAF 2024). Distinction between without consent and placing in fear. See US v Riggins, 75 MJ 78 (CAAF 2016)
Source: Instruction 3a-60-4 · view original on jagcnet.army.mil