Age of consent laws are one of the most misunderstood laws in the United States. Most believe that one must reach legal adult status (be at least 18) in order to legally consent to sex, which is not true (well, it depends on the state). Each state has established their own age of consent, in other words, the age which a person is allowed to consent to sexual activities. In most states, age of consent is 16, but some states set theirs to 17 or 18.
In addition, there are close-in-age exemptions, unofficialy known as "Romeo and Juliet Clauses." This is when one person is under the age of consent and the other is within a reasonably and relatively close age range apart. This can also protect legal adults who engage in sexual activities with minors if the two are a certain amount of years apart in age. For example, in Colorado, a 15 year old can consent to someone no more than 10 years older, even though age of consent is 17 (Click for Proof). In Missouri, if the adult is under age 21, he or she can have sex with someone as young as 14.
There are all sorts of technicalities, such as the definitions of sexual acts and whether or not the activities were heterosexual or homosexual in nature. Also, someone can run into trouble if he or she holds a position of power or authority over a minor. While it is safe to say one must be 18 to partake in sex, that does not mean it is the law.
Speaking of laws, what about the moral or ethical views? While something may be deemed legal does not necissarily mean it is morally or ethically correct. In the United States, sex between legal adults and minors is heavily frowned upon. That does not mean that is considered taboo elsewhere. In many European countries, there is a more liberalized view on sex and broader age differences are excepted. Many Europeans state that it is not unusual to see a 16 year old dating a guy in his mid twenties! It just comes to show that culture has a major influence on ethics.
Really, if the person has not reached legal adulthood, also known as age of majority (not to be confused with age of consent), the parent or guardian has a say in regards to what their child does and who they interact with. They can forbid their child to be with someone for any reason whatsoever. Restraining orders can be filed and kidnapping charges can be placed upon the legal adult if he or she transports the minor somewhere without the parent's consent.
To summarize, it really depends on the jurisdiction and the parent.
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