People v. Olsen

*640Opinion

BIRD, C. J.

Is a reasonable mistake as to the victim’s age a defense to a charge of lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under the age of 14 years (Pen. Code, § 288, subd. (a)1)?

I

In early June 1981, Shawn M. was 13 years and 10 months old. At that time, her parents were entertaining out-of-town guests. Since one of the visitors was using Shawn’s bedroom, Shawn suggested that she sleep in her family’s camper trailer which was parked in the driveway in front of the house. Shawn’s parents agreed to this arrangement on the condition that she keep the windows shut and the door locked.

On…