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Statutory Rape And The Age Of Consent

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According to the California Law, statutory rape is having sexual relations with a “child” or “minor” anyone who is below the age of consent. Committing this crime can result in imprisonment and cause the defendant to be charged with a felony even if they weren 't previously aware of the age of the victim at the time in which the act was done. When a statutory rape case is being evaluated, the victim must be under the age of 18 or under the age of consent and the one presenting the case must have proof that sexual intercourse occurred. The reason why this law was put into play was because in the eyes of the government it is believed that unless one is over the age of consent, they are physically and mentally incapable of giving consent to any sexual activities. Although the amendment states that all men are created equal, there is still an existing gender bias favoring women when it comes down to who commits the crime.
Statutory Rape is a very foggy law when it comes to the specifics and the crime can still be committed even if both people engaging in sexual acts are below the age of consent as well. “Statutory rape is a state sex crime that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor offense and may be punishable by incarceration, fine, probation, and/or registry as a sex offender, depending on the state and circumstances of the incident” (Findlaw,1). 17-year old Alan Jepsen from Sheboygan, Wisconsin was at home playing videogames when the police barged in and handcuffed him

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