New York Court of General Session of the Peace, 1845

State v. Handy

State v. Handy
New York Court of General Session of the Peace · Decided November 15, 1845
4 Del. 566

Counsel

Janvier, for the defence,

State v. Handy

Opinion of the Court

The Court

defined a rape to be the carnal knowledge of a woman, above the age of ten years, against her will; or of a female child, under the age of ten years, with or against her will; the law considering her incapable of consent. A boy under the age of fourteen years, is deemed by law incapable of committing a rape; and such a person could not be convicted of the offence of an assault with that intent; but, after fourteen years, he would be presumed capable, unless something appeared to the contrary.

The prisoner was convicted.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.