Legal Definitions - sexual relations

Sexual relations refers to any physical activity between individuals that is sexual in nature. This broad term encompasses not only sexual intercourse but also a range of other intimate physical acts, such as the touching of another person's genitals, breasts, or anus, or engaging in oral sex. It describes physical interaction with a sexual purpose or intent, involving at least two individuals.

Here are some examples of how the term sexual relations might be applied:

• In a company's employee handbook, a policy might prohibit supervisors from engaging in sexual relations with their direct subordinates. This policy aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest, favoritism, or the appearance of impropriety in the workplace. The term here would cover any form of intimate physical contact or sexual activity, not just intercourse, that could compromise professional boundaries.

• During divorce proceedings, a court order might stipulate that neither parent can introduce a new partner with whom they are having sexual relations to their children until a specified period has passed or without the other parent's explicit consent. This provision is often put in place to ensure stability for the children during a sensitive transition, focusing on the intimate nature of the new relationship rather than just cohabitation.

• In a criminal investigation involving allegations of sexual assault, prosecutors might present evidence that sexual relations occurred without the victim's consent. This could include instances where there was unwanted touching of intimate body parts, forced oral sex, or other non-consensual physical sexual acts, even if full sexual intercourse did not take place. The legal focus is on the non-consensual nature of the sexual activity itself.