Opinion ID: 2334199
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Insufficient Evidence of Force

Text: Even if we were mistaken in assessing Wright, Brooks' conviction for rape must be set aside for insufficient evidence. In that circumstance, the evidence would have to support a jury finding that J.P. was overcome by both force and fear. But the record is bereft of any evidence Brooks used force to compel J.P.'s compliance with his demand. To the contrary, he coerced her solely with threats to expose her workplace affair. Brooks did not touch J.P. at all until sexual intercourse occurred. Physical contact that is part of the act of penetration itself does not amount to force of the type violating the rape statute. State v. Bunyard, 281 Kan. 392, 406-08, 133 P.3d 14 (2006) (The prosecutor misstated the law in arguing to the jury that the act of penetration satisfied the force element of the rape charge[,] and the error was sufficiently egregious as to require reversal of the conviction.).