Which of the following is a requirement for a person to be charged with criminal sexual assault?

To be charged with criminal sexual assault, a fundamental requirement is the use of force or the threat of force. This element is crucial because it establishes the lack of consent on the part of the victim, which is a key factor in distinguishing between consensual sexual activity and assault. The law is designed to protect individuals from being coerced or compelled against their will, making the presence of force or threat a defining characteristic of the crime.

The other options, such as age constraints on either the accused or the victim, are not universal prerequisites for the charge of criminal sexual assault. While there may be specific laws addressing offenses involving minors or defining age-related provisions in sexual offenses, they do not constitute a blanket requirement for the charge itself. Instead, the emphasis on the coercive aspect reflects the legal system's focus on consent and individual autonomy.