Appeals court: 14-year-old cannot be held responsible for sex with California teacher
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A state appeals court says the Los Angeles school district was wrong when it argued that a 14-year-old girl shared responsibility for a sexual relationship with a teacher because she consented to the sex.
A division of the 2nd District Court of Appeal said Wednesday the girl as a minor was a crime victim even if she agreed to the sex, and crime victims cannot be held responsible for the harm they suffer.
It overturned a jury verdict in favor of the district and ordered a new trial. The girl had sued the district.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The district did not immediately have comment.
Lawyers and advocates for sexual abuse victims have said the legal tactic used by the district was surprising.