California Penal Code § 288(b)(1) criminalizes committing lewd or lascivious acts upon a child under 14 years old using force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury. This statute addresses those extremely severe offenses involving coercion or threats to engage a minor in sexual acts. Differentiate the (b) subsection from Lewd…

California Penal Code Section 288 addresses a grave and sensitive subject: lewd acts with a minor. This statute is particularly concerned with the protection of children from sexual exploitation and abuse, a priority that reflects a balance between safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring the legal rights of the accused are maintained.