ABSTRACT
Knowing the elements that constitute the different levels of sexual assault is obligatory for those involved in the investigative process, for it is the law that empowers us to act against offenders and to protect the innocent. Each state has defined what constitutes a sexual offense within its penal code, and although they differ in many ways they are very similar in substance. Unwanted sexual contact is a crime in every state. The specific action that constitutes that assault, however, must fall within a legal state statute for the police to take action. What is offensive may be legal, and what is morally wrong may be within the law.
