Romeo and Juliet Laws
Updated:Romeo and Juliet laws are legal provisions designed to protect young people in consensual sexual relationships from being prosecuted for statutory rape when both partners are close in age. These laws typically apply when one partner is below the age of consent but the age difference between the partners is small, usually between 2-5 years.
Additional Information
The name "Romeo and Juliet laws" comes from Shakespeare's young lovers, reflecting the laws' intent to avoid criminalizing consensual relationships between young people. These laws vary by jurisdiction but generally provide either an exemption from prosecution or a reduction in charges for cases involving young couples close in age.
It's important to note that these laws don't make it legal for adults to have sexual relationships with minors. Instead, they're designed to prevent the harsh consequences of statutory rape laws from applying to young couples who are close in age and engaging in consensual sexual activity.
Examples
In a state where the age of consent is 16, a Romeo and Juliet law might protect a 15-year-old from prosecution for having consensual sex with their 17-year-old partner.
A 19-year-old college student might be protected from statutory rape charges for continuing a relationship with their 17-year-old high school partner, depending on the specific Romeo and Juliet law in their state.