Statutory rape - Revision history

Prue: /* References */

2025-09-24T23:02:00Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:02, 24 September 2025
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	== References ==		== References ==

	* [[Carolyn E. Cocca]]: ''Jailbait : The Politics of Statutory Rape Laws in the United States''. — Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2004. — xiii, 228 pp., 23 cm		* [[Carolyn Cocca]]: ''Jailbait : The Politics of Statutory Rape Laws in the United States''. — Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2004. — xiii, 228 pp., 23 cm

	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:Official Encyclopedia]][[Category:Terminology]][[Category:Terminology: Popular]] [[Category:Law/Crime]][[Category:Law/Crime: Crime Types]]		[[Category:Official Encyclopedia]][[Category:Terminology]][[Category:Terminology: Popular]] [[Category:Law/Crime]][[Category:Law/Crime: Crime Types]]

Prue at 23:01, 24 September 2025

2025-09-24T23:01:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 24 September 2025
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	== References ==		== References ==

	* Carolyn E. Cocca: Jailbait : The Politics of Statutory Rape Laws in the United States. — Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2004. — xiii, 228 pp., 23 cm		* [[Carolyn E. Cocca]]: ''Jailbait : The Politics of Statutory Rape Laws in the United States''. — Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2004. — xiii, 228 pp., 23 cm

	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:Official Encyclopedia]][[Category:Terminology]][[Category:Terminology: Popular]] [[Category:Law/Crime]][[Category:Law/Crime: Crime Types]]		[[Category:Official Encyclopedia]][[Category:Terminology]][[Category:Terminology: Popular]] [[Category:Law/Crime]][[Category:Law/Crime: Crime Types]]

The Admins: /* See also */

2023-06-15T22:01:39Z

The Admins at 22:00, 15 June 2023

2023-06-15T22:00:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:00, 15 June 2023
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	[[File:Minorslie.png\|thumb\|It is well known within the legal industry, that minors lie about their age, implicating their partners as statutory rapists]]		[[File:Minorslie.png\|thumb\|It is well known within the legal industry, that minors sometimes lie about their age, implicating their partners as statutory rapists]]
	<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[Age of Consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".		<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[Age of Consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".

The Admins at 14:45, 21 April 2023

2023-04-21T14:45:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 21 April 2023
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	*[[Age of Consent]]		*[[Age of Consent]]
	*[[Romeo and Juliet laws]]		*[[Romeo and Juliet laws]]
			*[[Mature Minor]]

	== References ==		== References ==

The Admins at 14:40, 15 March 2023

2023-03-15T14:40:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:40, 15 March 2023
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	[[File:Minorslie.png\|thumb\|It is well known within the legal industry, that minors lie about their age, implicating their partners as statutory rapists]]		[[File:Minorslie.png\|thumb\|It is well known within the legal industry, that minors lie about their age, implicating their partners as statutory rapists]]
	<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[~~age~~ of ~~consent~~]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".		<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[Age of Consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".

	Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100728080711/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf OJP: Statutory Rape Handbook (old)]</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080901040250/http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape Sexlaws.org - What is Statutory Rape?]</ref></blockquote>		Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100728080711/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf OJP: Statutory Rape Handbook (old)]</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving [[consent]] to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080901040250/http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape Sexlaws.org - What is Statutory Rape?]</ref></blockquote>

	In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.		In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.
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	===Same-sex statutory rape===		===Same-sex statutory rape===
	In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718181056/http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address equal protection, but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[~~age~~ of ~~consent~~]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160427230606/http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>		In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718181056/http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address equal protection, but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[Age of Consent]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160427230606/http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>

	== Broadening the definition ==		== Broadening the definition ==
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	It should be said that "statutory rape" type laws are very controversial and some consider them being unconstitutional. They point out that although the presumption of innocence is used in practically all other criminal cases, including murder of children, it is not used with respect to statutory rape, for which offences are measured only on the basis of age of the victim. That is, in murder cases the accused has the opportunity to provide evidence that he didn't kill the victim, but in statutory rape cases violence is assumed per se, through a conclusive presumption, solely on the basis of the age of the victim and regardless of any evidence to the contrary.		It should be said that "statutory rape" type laws are very controversial and some consider them being unconstitutional. They point out that although the presumption of innocence is used in practically all other criminal cases, including murder of children, it is not used with respect to statutory rape, for which offences are measured only on the basis of age of the victim. That is, in murder cases the accused has the opportunity to provide evidence that he didn't kill the victim, but in statutory rape cases violence is assumed per se, through a conclusive presumption, solely on the basis of the age of the victim and regardless of any evidence to the contrary.

	Therefore, even though all defendants in statutory rape cases have the right to an attorney, to speak in court, to a fair defense, to present mitigating circumstances, to a fair trial and the right to appeal, all these rights only serve as a way to determine the degree of the penalty to be applied, and the accused is already considered guilty before the trial begins, even when consent is proven beyond any reasonable doubt and when parental consent is documented.		Therefore, even though all defendants in statutory rape cases have the right to an attorney, to speak in court, to a fair defense, to present mitigating circumstances, to a fair trial and the right to appeal, all these rights only serve as a way to determine the degree of the penalty to be applied, and the accused is already considered guilty before the trial begins, even when [[consent]] is proven beyond any reasonable doubt and when parental consent is documented.

	For example, in May 2006, the Irish Supreme Court found the existing statutory rape laws to have been unconstitutional as it prevented the defendant from entering a defence (e.g., that he had assumed the other party was over the age of consent). This has led to the release of persons held under the statutory rape law and has led to public demands that the law be changed by emergency legislation being enacted.		For example, in May 2006, the Irish Supreme Court found the existing statutory rape laws to have been unconstitutional as it prevented the defendant from entering a defence (e.g., that he had assumed the other party was over the age of consent). This has led to the release of persons held under the statutory rape law and has led to public demands that the law be changed by emergency legislation being enacted.

The Admins at 21:44, 20 October 2022

2022-10-20T21:44:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:44, 20 October 2022
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			[[File:Minorslie.png\|thumb\|It is well known within the legal industry, that minors lie about their age, implicating their partners as statutory rapists]]
	<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".		<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".

JohnHolt at 19:20, 5 November 2021

2021-11-05T19:20:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:20, 5 November 2021
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	<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".		<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".

	Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape What Is Statutory Rape ~~Sexlaws_org~~]</ref></blockquote>		Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100728080711/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf OJP: Statutory Rape Handbook (old)]</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080901040250/http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape Sexlaws.org - What is Statutory Rape?]</ref></blockquote>

	In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.		In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.
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	===Same-sex statutory rape===		===Same-sex statutory rape===
	In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address equal protection, but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[age of consent]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>		In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070718181056/http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address equal protection, but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[age of consent]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160427230606/http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>

	== Broadening the definition ==		== Broadening the definition ==

The Admins: /* Origin and History */ article needs improvement throughout

2009-05-25T23:51:14Z

Origin and History: article needs improvement throughout

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:51, 25 May 2009
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	It carried over to [[United States]] law and together with sodomy it constitutes the core of the sexual offences in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Most clauses of the definition have, however, undergone important changes in recent years. Only the marital exception ("not his wife") remains yet unchanged.		It carried over to [[United States]] law and together with sodomy it constitutes the core of the sexual offences in the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Most clauses of the definition have, however, undergone important changes in recent years. Only the marital exception ("not his wife") remains yet unchanged.

	~~The following currently only deals with United States law.~~

	== Age limit ==		== Age limit ==

The Admins at 17:12, 13 March 2009

2009-03-13T17:12:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:12, 13 March 2009
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	<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".		<div style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;">__TOC__</div>The term '''statutory rape''' is used when the law presumes a minor to be a victim of [[rape]] regardless of their sexual [[consent]]. Sometimes, the law does not describe illegal under-age sex as rape, but nevertheless - this term has been adopted by moderate liberals to describe cases where parties involved were close in age yet one (being above the [[age of consent]]) was persecuted by the law. This use of the term is somewhat subjective, as sexual contact between far more age-disparate parties (which is seen by many people as actual rape) may also be "statutory rape".

	Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or [[mentally retarded]] adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape What Is Statutory Rape Sexlaws_org]</ref></blockquote>		Very few jurisdictions use the actual term "statutory rape" in the language of statutes (State Legislators’ Handbook for Statutory Rape Issues).<ref>http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/statutoryrape/handbook/statrape.pdf</ref> Different jurisdictions use many different statutory terms for the crime, such as "sexual assault," "rape of a child," "corruption of a minor," "carnal knowledge of a minor," "unlawful carnal knowledge", or simply "[[carnal knowledge]]." Statutory rape differs from forcible rape in that overt force or threat need not be present. The laws presume coercion, because a minor or mentally retarded adult is legally incapable of giving consent to the act. <blockquote>''"Statutory Rape Is Illegal Sexual Activity Between Two People When It Would Otherwise Be Legal If Not For Their Age: In accordance with the FBI definition, statutory rape is characterized as non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is younger than the statutory age of consent. Dating without sexual contact can in no way be considered a form of statutory rape"''.<ref>[http://www.sexlaws.org/what_is_statutory_rape What Is Statutory Rape Sexlaws_org]</ref></blockquote>

	In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.		In this sense, the term ''statutory rape'' generally refers to sex between an adult and a sexually mature minor past the age of [[puberty]]. Sexual relations with a prepubescent child, generically called "[[child molestation]]," is typically treated as a more serious crime.
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	===Same-sex statutory rape===		===Same-sex statutory rape===
	In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address [[equal protection]], but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[age of consent]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>		In some jurisdictions, relationships between adults and minors may be prosecuted more strongly when both are the same sex. For example, in Kansas, if someone 18 or older has sex with a minor no more than four years younger, a Romeo and Juliet law limits the penalty substantially. As written, however, this law does not apply to same-sex couples, leading to higher penalties. The Kansas law was successfully challenged, as being in conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court rulings Lawrence v. Texas and Romer v. Evans.<ref>[http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/supct/2005/20051021/85898.htm 85898 - State v. Limon - Luckert - Kansas Supreme Court]</ref> The Lawrence v. Texas precedent does not directly address equal protection, but its application in the case of Limon v. Kansas was that it also invalidates [[age of consent]] laws that discriminate by sexual orientation (Lawrence v. Texas).<ref>[http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20051101.html FindLaw's Writ - Grossman: The Kansas Supreme Court Rights a Wrong, Ruling that the State Cannot Penalize a Teenager for Being Gay]</ref><ref>[http://www.avert.org/aofconsent.htm A table of worldwide ages of consent, including US states]</ref>

	== Broadening the definition ==		== Broadening the definition ==
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	*[[Age of Consent]]		*[[Age of Consent]]
			*[[Romeo and Juliet laws]]

	== References ==		== References ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:01, 15 June 2023
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	*[[Age of Consent]]		*[[Age of Consent]]
	*[[Romeo and Juliet ~~laws~~]]		*[[Romeo and Juliet]] laws
	*[[Mature Minor]]		*[[Mature Minor]]