Difference between revisions of "Age of consent"
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| − | The age of consent is the age in which it is legal to engage in sexual activity in a given jurisdiction. Most nations have an age of consent but in some cases such as the United States the age of consent laws are set by sub-national jurisdictions such as states. |
+ | The age of consent is the age in which it is legal to engage in sexual activity in a given jurisdiction. Most nations have an age of consent but in some cases such as the United States the age of consent laws are set by sub-national jurisdictions such as states. Engaging in sexual activity with a consenting partner that is under age is commonly known as [[statutory rape]] although the exact terminology will vary by jurisdiction. |
Many jurisdictions have [[close-in-age exemptions]] in which sex is not illegal between people of similar age even if it otherwise would be. In some countries, these are called ''Romeo and Juliette laws''. |
Many jurisdictions have [[close-in-age exemptions]] in which sex is not illegal between people of similar age even if it otherwise would be. In some countries, these are called ''Romeo and Juliette laws''. |
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| + | All else being equal men are far more likely to be charged with statutory rape than women so it is strongly advised that men establish the age of a potential sex-partner before sexual activity begins. |
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== External Links == |
== External Links == |
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Revision as of 22:26, 1 November 2019
The age of consent is the age in which it is legal to engage in sexual activity in a given jurisdiction. Most nations have an age of consent but in some cases such as the United States the age of consent laws are set by sub-national jurisdictions such as states. Engaging in sexual activity with a consenting partner that is under age is commonly known as statutory rape although the exact terminology will vary by jurisdiction.
Many jurisdictions have close-in-age exemptions in which sex is not illegal between people of similar age even if it otherwise would be. In some countries, these are called Romeo and Juliette laws.
All else being equal men are far more likely to be charged with statutory rape than women so it is strongly advised that men establish the age of a potential sex-partner before sexual activity begins.