The Los Angeles school district is coming under criticism for successfully defending a sexual abuse lawsuit by saying a 14-year-old girl willingly had sex with her teacher.

The teacher in the case was sentenced to prison on criminal charges, but the district was cleared last year of wrongdoing by a civil jury.

KPCC reported Thursday that the girl is appealing the case, in part because the district's lawyer blamed her for willingly meeting the teacher at a motel to have sex.

Jurors found that the district had no knowledge of the relationship and wasn't responsible.

Advocates for sexual abuse victims say the legal tactic was disgusting and horrific.

Legal experts say the verdict raises questions about a conflict between California criminal and civil law when it comes to sexual consent.