Penal Code 288 PC is a crime committed by touching a child somewhere on his/her body for sexual purposes.1 Justice officials sometimes refer to this offense as "lewd acts on a minor under 14" or "acts of lewd and lascivious conduct."
These cases typically involve accusations that the child was touched or fondled on a sexual organ, or that some overt act of child molestation took place.
However, one can be charged with lewd acts even if the touching was not on a sexual organ, and even if the touching was done over the child's clothes (rather than on the bare skin).2
Examples of Lewd Acts on a Child
Dennis uses his finger to rub the vagina of his 9-year-old step-daughter
Sam, a 9th grade teacher, picks up one of his students and fondles her breast area from the outside of her clothes
Rudy's wife is babysitting a 7-year-old girl; Rudy takes the girl into a bedroom and kisses her stomach and thighs, causing him arousal