§ 609.3775 — Child Torture
Plain-Language Summary
Child torture means intentionally inflicting extreme mental anguish or extreme physical or psychological abuse on a child in an especially cruel way. It is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, a fine up to $35,000, or both. Expert testimony is not required to prove the abuse, and the prosecution does not need to prove the child felt pain.
609.3775 CHILD TORTURE.
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Subdivision 1.Definition.
As used in this section, “torture” means the intentional infliction of extreme mental anguish, or extreme psychological or physical abuse, when committed in an especially depraved manner. §
Subd. 2.Crime.
A person who tortures a child is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 25 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $35,000, or both. §
Subd. 3.Proof; evidence.
(a) Expert testimony as to the existence or extent of mental anguish or psychological abuse is not a requirement for a conviction under this section.
(b) A child’s special susceptibility to mental anguish or psychological abuse does not constitute an independent cause of the condition so that a defendant is exonerated from criminal liability.
(c) Proof that a victim suffered pain is not an element of a violation of this section.
History:
History: History:
1Sp2021 c 11 art 2 s 39