Legal Definitions - carnalis copula

Carnalis Copula is a Latin legal term that refers to sexual intercourse. It specifically denotes the physical act of sexual union between individuals.

Here are some examples of how this term might be applied in a legal context:

• Example 1: Criminal Law (Sexual Assault)

  In a criminal trial for sexual assault, the prosecution must often prove that carnalis copula occurred without the victim's consent. For instance, if a defendant is accused of sexual battery, the legal definition of the crime typically requires evidence of the physical act of sexual intercourse. The prosecutor would present evidence to the court demonstrating that this physical act took place and that it was not consensual.

  How it illustrates the term: This example directly uses carnalis copula to refer to the core physical act of sexual intercourse that forms an essential element of the alleged crime.

• Example 2: Family Law (Annulment of Marriage)

  In some legal systems, a marriage can be annulled (declared invalid from the beginning) if it was never "consummated." This often means that the parties never engaged in carnalis copula after the wedding. For example, if a couple seeks an annulment claiming their marriage was never consummated, they would need to demonstrate to the court that they never had sexual intercourse, thereby proving the absence of carnalis copula.

  How it illustrates the term: Here, carnalis copula signifies the physical act of sexual union that is legally recognized as the consummation of a marriage, and its absence can be grounds for annulment.

• Example 3: Paternity Disputes

  While DNA evidence is now primary, in historical legal contexts or when establishing a timeline, a court might consider evidence of carnalis copula between two individuals around the time of conception to support a claim of paternity. For instance, if a woman files a paternity suit, she might present testimony or other evidence indicating that she and the alleged father engaged in carnalis copula during the period when the child was likely conceived.

  How it illustrates the term: In this scenario, carnalis copula refers to the physical act of sexual intercourse that could lead to conception, which is a foundational element in determining legal parentage.