Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2019
Abstract
#MeToo reports have revealed a significant number of forced kisses typically by men in positions of authority. Previous scholarship in the US has viewed such instances as to rare or too minor to be worthy of criminal sanctions. Indeed, there are no such reported criminal cases involving adults. However, in Italy, the Supreme Court of Cassazione has upheld sexual violence convictions for such forced kisses. This article analyzes these cases and investigates the types of considerations the Italian Supreme Court includes in its evaluation of these situations. This article also suggests specific aspects of US laws that could benefit from a comparative analysis. While forced kisses are not the same as rape, the #MeToo movement has shown that these are more common than previously thought and cause harm to the survivors.
Recommended Citation
96 U. Det. Mercy L. Rev. 627 (2019)