Opinion
No. CR 79-221
Opinion delivered March 10, 1980
1. CRIMINAL LAW — RAPE — DEFINITION — INTENT. — In defining the offense of rape in the Criminal Code, it was not the intent to change the traditional doctrine with respect to the use of force. 2. CRIMINAL LAW — SENTENCING — STANDARD OF REVIEW. — Where the sentence imposed is within the limits fixed by the legislature, it is the duty of the appellate court to uphold it.
Appeal from Pulaski Circuit Court, First Division, Floyd J. Lofton, Judge; affirmed.
John W. Achor, Public Defender, by: James H. Phillips, Deputy Public Defender, for appellant.
Steve Clark, Att'y. Gen., by: Victra L. Fewell, Asst. Att'y. Gen., for appellee.
In appealing from a rape conviction, with a 40-year sentence, the appellant contends that the State's proof does not show the required forcible compulsion and that the sentence is excessive.
The Criminal Code provides that a person commits rape if he engaged in sexual intercourse "by forcible compulsion," which includes a threat of death or physical injury. Ark. Stat. Ann. 41-1801 and -1803 (Repl. 1977). The Code was not intended to change the traditional doctrine with respect to the use of force. Commentary to 41-1801.
The prosecutrix testified that Jennings surprised her outside of her apartment, subdued her by the application of a headlock, and threatened to kill her if she made any noise. He forced her into the apartment and raped her. She made no resistance because she was afraid he would kill her. Jennings testified that the woman consented to intercourse, for a payment of $25. The conflicting testimony presented an issue of fact for the trial judge, who heard the case without a jury. Under our decisions the State's proof was sufficient to sustain the conviction. Spencer v. State, 255 Ark. 258, 499 S.W.2d 856 (1973); Rogers v. State, 249 Ark. 117, 458 S.W.2d 747 (1970); Threet v. State, 110 Ark. 152, 161 S.W. 139 (1913).
Rape is a Class A felony, for which the range of punishment by imprisonment is 5 to 50 years or for life. 41-901. Since the sentence imposed is within the limits fixed by the legislature, it is our duty to uphold it, even though we might think it to be unduly severe. Atwell v. State, 244 Ark. 739, 427 S.W.2d 1 (1968); Osborne v. State, 237 Ark. 5, 371 S.W.2d 518 (1963).
Affirmed.