Differing degrees of rape?

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

Actually, before I do go to bed, let me ask one thing... degrees of rape not allowed, but degrees of violence are?

Yes, because violence can have mitigating circumstances, and the degree of violence is visible and can be agree upon. This is manifestly NOT the case with rape.

Suppose you outrageously offend me and I break your jaw. The judge or jury might very well decide that you provoked me beyond what is reasonable. In another scenario, I break your jaw for no discernible reason - we're simply passing on the street, I clock you and my only defense for my action is that I felt like it. I would merit (and hopefully get) a more severe punishment.

I doesn't and shouldn't work that way with rape. If the most beautiful woman you've ever seen appears in your bedroom wearing nothing but a bottle of scotch and a hair ribbon, locks her ankles behind her head and begins moaning ecstatically, and tells you 'Don't touch me' your best bet is to head into the jacks for a quick wank. Because if you touch her, it's rape.

Or are you suggesting that rape has always an 'added crime'?

Nothing of the sort. Rape is still rape whether some other crime is involved or not. The act of rape is heinous enough to stand on its own.


Boru