Legal Definitions - crime against nature

The term crime against nature refers to a category of sexual offenses that are considered morally reprehensible or "unnatural" by society and law. Historically, this term was often used broadly to criminalize various forms of non-procreative sexual activity, particularly sodomy.

However, legal interpretations have significantly evolved. Modern constitutional law protects the privacy and liberty interests of consenting adults to engage in private sexual conduct. As a result, laws specifically criminalizing consensual sexual acts between adults under the "crime against nature" umbrella are generally unconstitutional.

Despite this evolution, the term crime against nature or similar statutes remain relevant in many jurisdictions. They are now primarily applied to sexual offenses that involve non-consenting parties, minors, or animals, which are universally recognized as illegal and harmful. Some jurisdictions have replaced the broad "crime against nature" with more specific statutes, such as "sexual abuse of a minor" or "sexual contact with an animal," while others continue to use the broader term to encompass these specific offenses.

• Example 1: Sexual Contact with an Animal

  Imagine a situation where an individual is discovered engaging in sexual activity with a horse on a rural farm.

  How it illustrates the term: This act would likely be prosecuted under a crime against nature statute in jurisdictions that still use the broad term, or under a specific statute like "sexual contact with an animal" in others. It clearly falls within the category of acts considered "unnatural" and outside the bounds of legal sexual conduct, especially as it involves an animal incapable of consent.

• Example 2: Sexual Act Involving a Minor

  Consider an adult who engages in a sexual act with a 15-year-old, even if the minor expressed willingness or did not resist.

  How it illustrates the term: In many places, such an act could be prosecuted under a crime against nature statute, particularly if the law is broadly written to cover sexual conduct involving individuals legally unable to consent due to age. This illustrates how the term is now applied to protect vulnerable individuals, distinguishing it from consensual adult conduct.