Background

Currently, all States have laws that prohibit sexual intercourse with persons under a certain age. Although commonly referred to as “statutory rape” laws, the term is not usually found in criminal statutes. Rape, sexual assault, and unlawful sexual intercourse are some of the more commonly used terms. By whatever name, these laws have been the focus of recent legislative interest. In the last few years, more than 20 States have considered proposals to amend these laws.¹