The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor, or lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, is generally committed when (1) the offender touches the child’s body or gets the child to touch the child’s body, the offender’s body, or someone else; (2) the touching occurs on bare skin or through clothing; (3) the touching was for sexual reasons; and (4) the child was under 14 years of age.

Laws regarding lewd acts with a minor vary from state to state, including the required age of the child and the required elements of the criminal offense. And some states classify the criminal offense of lewd acts with minor as the criminal offense of indecency with a minor, or lewd or indecent proposals or acts to a child, or a similar offense.

Some states have expanded the definition of these laws to include looking at the body or private parts of a child in a sexual manner, or causing or forcing a child to witness sex acts in the presence of the child. These states prosecute persons who engage in such activity in online video chat rooms for this criminal offense.

The criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor (or similar offense) is generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Pennsylvania, the criminal offense of lewd acts with a minor is addressed under the statutes concerning sexual offenses. Specifically, the offense is often categorized under 'Corruption of Minors' or 'Indecent Assault.' Pennsylvania law defines a minor as an individual under the age of 18, with more severe penalties for offenses involving children under the age of 13. The elements of the offense typically include an individual who, for the purpose of arousing sexual desire, has contact with a minor or causes the minor to have contact with them, whether the contact is direct or through clothing. This can also extend to causing a child to witness sexual acts or engaging in lewd behavior in the presence of a child. The state's statutes also cover the transmission of sexually explicit materials to minors and the use of electronic communication to lure or entice a minor into illegal sexual activity. The severity of the charges and penalties can vary based on the age of the child, the age difference between the offender and the child, and the specific nature of the act.