05-20-2003, 04:50 PM
As I typed that, I realized that the problem is that a college student who gets a citation for mooning someone is, in some states, classified as a sex offender, when all he really was was being a fool.
The problem with the labels are as you point out.
My old rule of thumb used to be 'fifteen will get you twenty' but that is based on an age of consent of 16. That too is all over the map. In Texas, being within three years of the age of your date (19 vs 16 for example, 17 versus 14) is a defense to prosecution, but not reason for cops _not_ to bring charges of statutory rape.
What was in my mind was the adult having sex with someone under 12: that I consider a child, not a teenager. Trouble is, my definition is not universal. In any case, adult on 12 year old is
A.) a breach of trust
B.) IMO a great argument for the death penalty, and I again note that the problem of recitivism is taken care of in that case.
"But judge, she looked fifteen!"
"OK, mister, you will live, but fifteen will get you twenty!"
Works for me.
The problem with the labels are as you point out.
My old rule of thumb used to be 'fifteen will get you twenty' but that is based on an age of consent of 16. That too is all over the map. In Texas, being within three years of the age of your date (19 vs 16 for example, 17 versus 14) is a defense to prosecution, but not reason for cops _not_ to bring charges of statutory rape.
What was in my mind was the adult having sex with someone under 12: that I consider a child, not a teenager. Trouble is, my definition is not universal. In any case, adult on 12 year old is
A.) a breach of trust
B.) IMO a great argument for the death penalty, and I again note that the problem of recitivism is taken care of in that case.
"But judge, she looked fifteen!"
"OK, mister, you will live, but fifteen will get you twenty!"
Works for me.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete