Legal Definitions - date rape

Date rape is a type of sexual assault that occurs when someone is forced or coerced into having sexual intercourse with someone else who they know, usually after a voluntary social engagement. This can happen even if the victim knows the perpetrator, and it is especially common on college campuses.

During a date rape trial, the biggest dispute is usually whether the victim consented to the sexual activity. More than half of all rapes are committed by relatives, current or former spouses, partners, or lovers.

One of the most common ways that date rape occurs is through the use of drugs or alcohol. There are several drugs that can make someone vulnerable to sexual assault, including:

• Rohypnol: This drug is not legally manufactured or approved for use in the United States.
• Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): This drug is also illegal in the United States.
• Ketamine: This drug is legally sold as a veterinary sedative or hospital anesthesia.

These drugs are often referred to as "date rape drugs" because they can be used to incapacitate someone and make them more vulnerable to sexual assault.

For example, if someone goes to a party and has a drink that has been spiked with a date rape drug, they may become disoriented or unconscious. The perpetrator can then take advantage of the victim's vulnerability and sexually assault them.

If someone is accused of date rape, evidence of date rape drugs in the victim's system can be powerful evidence of the defendant's guilt.