Legal Definitions - carnal knowledge

Carnal knowledge refers to sexual intercourse between two people that involves some degree of penetration. This term is often used in the context of sex crimes, such as rape or statutory rape, where it is a necessary element of the offense.

• In Virginia, if a person has carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of 13 and 15 without using force, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony.
• In Georgia, a person can be charged with rape if they forcibly have carnal knowledge of a woman against her will.

These examples illustrate how carnal knowledge is a legal term used to describe specific sexual acts that are considered criminal in nature. In both cases, the term is used to describe sexual intercourse that involves penetration, which is a key element of the offense.