Carnal Knowledge
Updated:Carnal knowledge is a legal and historical term referring to sexual intercourse, particularly the act of a man penetrating a woman's vagina with his penis. The term is often used in legal contexts, especially in older laws and court cases related to sexual offenses. While somewhat outdated, it remains in use in some jurisdictions and legal documents.
Additional Information
The phrase "carnal knowledge" originated from biblical language and was adopted into legal terminology. In modern usage, it's often considered a euphemism for sexual intercourse. The term has been criticized for its gender-specific nature and is increasingly being replaced with more inclusive language in many legal systems.
In some jurisdictions, "carnal knowledge" is still used in statutes related to statutory rape or sexual assault, where it may refer to any sexual penetration, regardless of gender. The exact legal definition can vary depending on the specific law and jurisdiction.
Examples
In a historical legal document: "The defendant is accused of having carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent."
In a modern context: "The outdated term 'carnal knowledge' has been replaced with 'sexual intercourse' in the revised statute."