Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

In reply to the discussion: Statutory Rape [View all]

Fiendish Thingy

(21,606 posts)
4. In California, 15 year olds can consent to sex
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 10:56 AM
Nov 14

As long as it is with a partner between the age of 14-17.

Going from memory (I was an LMFT and mandated reporter in CA until 2012), California law is somewhat convoluted on minor consent:

So, minors under 14 cannot consent to sexual activity with minors 14 and older.

Minors 14-17 can consent to sexual activity with partners in the same age range.

Minors 16-17 can consent to sexual activity with adults aged 18-21 (although technically illegal, the CA attorney general-Kamala Harris at the time IIRC, issued guidance saying such contact was not reportable as long as it was clear the minor gave consent- saved me from having to report situations where an 18 year old high school senior was having sex with his 11th grade girlfriend).

In addition, there is a separate criminal code for sexual contact with a minor by an adult with a greater than ten year age difference.

And just to nitpick on the clinical side, pedophilia technically refers to adults who are aroused by and/or seek sexual contact with prepubescent minors, not teens.

Adult sexual contact with teens is more accurately described as sexual abuse of a minor or, as mentioned in the OP, statutory rape.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Statutory Rape»Reply #4