Statutory rape occurs when an individual engages in sexual acts or intercourse with a minor. The age of consent will vary from state to state, though it is typically between the ages of 16 and 17. Even if the minor provided for his/her consent to engage in sexual activity, it will still be considered under the law as statutory rape.
Regardless of the actual maturity level of the child, it is considered that any person under the age of consent to not be able to rationally decide to engage in sexual intercourse in the context of the law. The situation of statutory rape will also be more complex if a man impregnating a minor is the situation at hand. A man impregnating a minor is seen, under the eyes of the law, to impose a very trying and complex situation on the minor. Statutory rape laws exist as a way to punish those that take advantage of minors in a sexual way, regardless if the act itself was consensual.
