Can a 15 year old who turns 16 in August and a 19 year old who turns 20 in January have consensual sex?

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Can a 15 year old who turns 16 in August and a 19 year old who turns 20 in January have consensual sex?

I know that we have the Romeo and Juliet laws but I am not 100% sure how the law works.

Asked on May 16, 2017 under Criminal Law, Tennessee

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

Statutory rape occurs when an adult has sexual intercourse with someone under the legal age of consent, which is 18. So-called “Romeo and Juliet” laws are exceptions intended to prevent serious criminal charges against teenagers who engage in consensual sex with others close to their own age. In TN, there is such an exemption for consensual sexual acts between a minor who is 13 or older and a defendant who is less than 4 years older.


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