Statutory rape is sex by an adult with a child under the age defined by the state in which the intercourse takes place. Some states may still limit statutory rape to men who have sex with females younger than the specified age, but most states will also prosecute women. For example, there have been some high-profile prosecutions of female teachers who have had sex with their young students in recent years. The age for statutory rape varies from state to state. It is often around 15 or 16.

(Reviewed 11.4.08)