Statutory Rape

S2S Definition

Statutory rape is sex between an adult and an individual below the legal age of consent.

Dictionary Definitions

Sexual intercourse with a person who is below the statutory age of consent.

The crime of having sex with a person who the law says is too young to have sex.

Sexual intercourse or other sexual relations with a person under the legal age of consent, which age varies in different states.

A Deeper Look
  • According to the law, people below a certain age cannot legally consent to sex, because they are minors. Any sex between a minor and an adult is considered illegal and an act of sexual assault.
  • Statutory rape often happens in situations where adults have power over younger people, such as teachers, coaches, and religious leaders. 
  • Some US states have laws regarding relationships between older teens and very young adults who are close in age. These laws, sometimes called Romeo and Juliet laws, vary depending on where you live, and exist to protect consenting couples from legal prosecution. Canada has “close in age exceptions” to statutory rape laws that you can find here.