The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Romeo and Juliet laws address the issue of consensual sex between teens and young adults. Historically, these young adults could be charged with statutory rape when engaging in a relationship or sexual relations with someone who is technically under the age of consent. Romeo and Juliet laws typically reduce or eliminate the statutory rape penalty in many cases, though the […]
Read moreAge of consent is the age at which an individual is deemed legally competent to consent to engage in sexual activities. This minimum age varies by state, and having sex with someone under the age of consent is considered to be a criminal act. Some jurisdictions make allowances for minors engaging in sexual activities with each other, though there may […]
Read moreThe term statutory rape refers to the engaging in sexual activity with an individual who is under the age specified by law to give consent. The age at which a person can legally consent to sex varies by state, but is generally between the ages of 15 and 18. Sexual activity that leads to statutory rape charges is usually consensual, […]
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