Word: Statutory Rape
Definition: Statutory rape is a legal term that refers to sexual intercourse with a person who is below the legal age of consent. This means that even if both people agree to engage in sexual activity, the law does not recognize the younger person's ability to give consent because they are too young.
Imagine a 17-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl who both want to have a romantic relationship. If they engage in sexual activity, the boy could be charged with statutory rape because the girl is below the legal age of consent.
In legal discussions, statutory rape may be referenced in terms of the specific age of consent in different jurisdictions, which varies from place to place. Legal systems often have different laws about what constitutes statutory rape based on the ages of the individuals involved.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "statutory rape," but understanding the seriousness of the term is important in discussions about consent, law, and relationships.
Statutory rape laws are designed to protect minors who may not be emotionally or psychologically ready to engage in sexual activities.