Legal Age of Consent

The legal age of consent refers to the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally capable of consenting to sexual activity. This age varies by country and sometimes by region within a country. If a person engages in sexual activity with someone below this age, it may be considered a criminal offense, often termed statutory rape, regardless of the circumstances or whether the younger person agrees. The law aims to protect minors from exploitation and abuse, recognizing that they may not have the maturity or experience to make informed decisions about sexual relationships.