Maryland § 3-301
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 3-301, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-301.
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Mentally incapacitated individual” means an individual who, because of the influence of a drug, narcotic, or intoxicating substance, or because of an act committed on the individual without the individual’s consent or awareness, is rendered substantially incapable of:
(1) appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct; or
(2) resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.
(c) “Physically helpless individual” means an individual who:
(1) is unconscious; or
(2) (i) does not consent to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; and
(ii) is physically unable to resist, or communicate unwillingness to submit to, vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.
(d) (1) “Sexual act” means any of the following acts, regardless of whether semen is emitted:
(i) analingus;
(ii) cunnilingus;
(iii) fellatio;
(iv) anal intercourse, including penetration, however slight, of the anus; or
(v) an act:
1. in which an object or part of an individual’s body penetrates, however slightly, into another individual’s genital opening or anus; and
2. that can reasonably be construed to be for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
(2) “Sexual act” does not include:
(i) vaginal intercourse; or
(ii) an act in which an object or part of an individual’s body penetrates an individual’s genital opening or anus for an accepted medical purpose.
(e) (1) “Sexual contact”, as used in §§ 3–307, 3–308, and 3–314 of this subtitle, means an intentional touching of the victim’s or actor’s genital, anal, or other intimate area for sexual arousal or gratification, or for the abuse of either party.
(2) “Sexual contact” does not include:
(i) a common expression of familial or friendly affection; or
(ii) an act for an accepted medical purpose.
(f) “Substantially cognitively impaired individual” means an individual who suffers from an intellectual disability or a mental disorder, either of which temporarily or permanently renders the individual substantially incapable of:
(1) appraising the nature of the individual’s conduct;
(2) resisting vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact; or
(3) communicating unwillingness to submit to vaginal intercourse, a sexual act, or sexual contact.
(g) (1) “Vaginal intercourse” means genital copulation, whether or not semen is emitted.
(2) “Vaginal intercourse” includes penetration, however slight, of the vagina.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 3-301
What does Maryland Code § 3-301 cover?
Section 3-301 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 3-301?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 3-301" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 3-301 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.