Opinion ID: 2074247
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Force or Coercion

Text: Based on the issues raised in this appeal, our function is to satisfy ourselves that defendant was properly found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In his decision, the trial justice found that the element of force or coercion was satisfied in two distinct ways: Generally speaking, force or coercion means overcoming the victim of sexual assault through the application of physical force or violence, against her will, and without her consent. It also includes compelling the victim to submit by threatening to use force or violence, and the victim reasonably believed that the defendant had the present ability to carry out such threats.    [A] threat may be implied as well as express.    Force or coercion may also consist of the imposition of psychological pressure upon a person who, under all of the circumstances, is vulnerable and susceptible to such pressure. We shall address the issues of implied threats under § 11-37-1(2)(iii), physical force under § 11-37-1(2)(ii), and the motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence seriatim.