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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

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

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

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

In Georgia, it is illegal for educators to engage in sexual contact with students under the state's laws regarding sexual assault and misconduct. Georgia law specifically addresses sexual contact between teachers and students in O.C.G.A. § 16-6-5.1, which makes it a felony for any person with supervisory or disciplinary authority over a student in a school to engage in sexual contact with that student, regardless of the student's age. This law applies even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16 years old in Georgia. The statute is designed to protect students from being exploited by those in positions of power and trust within educational institutions. Violations of this law can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and the possibility of being required to register as a sex offender.

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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Georgia State Code

Georgia State Code

Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Articles