What specific element concerning the penetrating agent is often codified in statutory definitions for sexual assault?
Whether penetration was by a penis, an object, or other body parts
Legal interpretations of penetration are considerably more rigid and codified than sexological views, requiring precision to satisfy the elements required in a courtroom setting. Statutory definitions often make specific distinctions regarding *what* agent caused the entry to qualify as a specific type of sexual offense, such as rape or sexual assault. Jurisdictions frequently specify whether the penetration was achieved by a penis, or if the law also encompasses penetration achieved by an object or other distinct body parts. This specificity is crucial because a defendant's legal liability for a severe charge often rests entirely on whether the precise type of entry stipulated within the relevant penal code statute actually occurred.
