AR Court Rules on Teacher-Student Sexual Relationships
By: Christina Wapp
Updated: March 30, 2012
(Little Rock, AR) -- The Arkansas Supreme Court has struck down a state law that would have banned sexual contact between teachers and students who are 18 or older.
The decision stems from a recent case in northwest Arkansas. Former teacher David Paschal is serving ten-years in prison after being convicted for having a sexual relationship with an 18 year old student. He was also convicted of making sexual advances toward other students.
Friday's Arkansas Supreme Court ruling means if you're 18 you have a constitutional right to consensual sex with your teacher.
The decision, according to a University of Arkansas law professor, does not give teachers a get out of jail card when it comes to having sexual relations with students who are considered adults.
"If the prosecution is able to show that in an effort to obtain that sex the teacher abused his or her position of authority. That's still clearly prohibited," says law professor Brian Gallini.
Gallini says he's not sure how this decision will impact Paschal's case.
The decision stems from a recent case in northwest Arkansas. Former teacher David Paschal is serving ten-years in prison after being convicted for having a sexual relationship with an 18 year old student. He was also convicted of making sexual advances toward other students.
Friday's Arkansas Supreme Court ruling means if you're 18 you have a constitutional right to consensual sex with your teacher.
The decision, according to a University of Arkansas law professor, does not give teachers a get out of jail card when it comes to having sexual relations with students who are considered adults.
"If the prosecution is able to show that in an effort to obtain that sex the teacher abused his or her position of authority. That's still clearly prohibited," says law professor Brian Gallini.
Gallini says he's not sure how this decision will impact Paschal's case.
