Legal Definitions - statutory rape

Statutory rape is a type of sexual assault that occurs when a person engages in sexual activity with someone who is below the age of consent. Even if the minor consents to the sexual activity, it is still considered rape because the law assumes that minors are not capable of giving informed consent.

For example, if a 25-year-old has sex with a 16-year-old, it is considered statutory rape because the 16-year-old is below the age of consent. Similarly, if a 19-year-old has sex with a 15-year-old, it is also considered statutory rape.

Statutory rape is a serious crime, and the laws surrounding it vary from state to state. Some states use different terms for the crime, such as rape of a child, sexual assault, or unlawful sex with a minor.

It is important to understand that statutory rape is not the same as forcible rape, which involves the use of physical force or threats to coerce someone into sexual activity. In statutory rape cases, there may not be any overt force or threat involved.