Powell v. State

510 S.E.2d 18 (1998)

Facts

Powell (D) was charged with rape and aggravated sodomy of his wife’s 17-year-old niece. The niece testified that D had sex with her against her will and engaged in cunnilingus without her consent and against her will. D admitted he performed the acts with consent. The trial court included in the jury charge instructions on the law of sodomy. D was acquitted of rape and aggravated sodomy but found guilty of sodomy. D appealed; the statute criminalizing acts of sodomy committed by adults without force and in private is unconstitutional and violates the right to privacy.