Authors:
- Megan Butler: -

- Miranda Horn: Google Scholar

- Alissa Koski, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University - Author's Personal Website, Google Scholar

- Kaya Van Roost: -

Abstract: »Context. Statutory rape laws establish the age of consent to sex and exceptions to that age. To date, statutory rape laws have rarely been examined in the United States, in part because no comprehensive database of the laws exists.
Methods. We collected statutory rape laws to create a longitudinal database of the laws in place in each US state between 2000 and 2021. We coded three aspects of the laws: the age of consent to sex, close-in-age exceptions to the age of consent, and marital exemptions. We described those aspects of the laws and how they have changed over the last two decades.
Results. In 2021, the age of consent varied between 16 (n = 32), 17 (n = 7), and 18 (n = 12) across states. Most states had exceptions to the age of consent for persons close-in-age (n = 39) and married couples (n = 39). From 2000 to 2021, one state increased its age of consent. Over the same period, two states removed close-in-age exceptions and four added them. Six states removed marital exemptions, while two instated them.
Conclusions. Definitions of statutory rape and exceptions to the crime varied widely between states, but the laws have rarely changed in the past two decades. The variability in the laws across states raises important questions about how they should be structured. This database will facilitate research on the laws, which may provide a stronger empirical basis for future policies in this area.« (Source: Preprint)

Contents:

	Abstract (p. 1)
	Introduction (p. 2)
	Methods (p. 4)
		Age of Consent (p. 6)
		Close-in-Age Exceptions to the Age of Consent (p. 7)
		Exceptions for Married Couples (p. 8)
	Results (p. 9)
		Age of Consent (p. 9)
		Close-in-Age Exceptions to the Age of Consent (p. 10)
		Exceptions for Married Couples (p. 10)
	Discussion (p. 11)
	References (p. 30)

Wikipedia: History of the Americas: History of the United States / History of the United States (1991–2008), History of the United States (2008–present) | Law: Laws regarding rape / Age of consent | Sex and the law: Statutory rape / Rape in the United States