What would happen if a gentleman of high social class was caught raping a woman of "lesser" status? Would he be punished the same as he would if he had raped a woman of the same "class"? Or punished the same as a man of "lesser" class raping a woman of "higher class? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

What would happen if a gentleman of high social class was caught raping a woman of "lesser" status? Would he be punished the same as he would if he had raped a woman of the same "class"? Or punished the same as a man of "lesser" class raping a woman of "higher class?

by [deleted]

If a European Gentleman from the 19th century.

talondearg

Perhaps you could clarify where and when you are asking about?