Statutory Rape: Not a Valid Law

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Recommended: the problem with statutory rape laws

The first reason why a minor consenting to have sex with someone three years or older than them should not be considered statutory rape is because teens need to be more informed about sex then left to decide on their own. William Keating, Norfolk County District Attorney, says “I came into this job thinking that this generation of young people would be much more sexually aware than any other generation, especially my own, but that’s just not the case.”(Walker 3). It really is surprising just how many people are unaware and Keating clearly notes this point. Thomas Malvesti, Police Lt. and head of the department’s community’s service bureau, said, “It has to be an ongoing educational program. So we give them a little taste in the elementary schools, a little more in middle school, and we come back again in the high school.”(Walker 3). Here, Malvesti is explaining the best way to inform children and teens of sex. If teens were fully aware, then you should allow them to make their own informed decision as to whether or not they wish to consent to sex.

The second reason why a minor consenting to have sex with someone three years or older than them should not be considered statutory rape is because the government should not be so involved. In an article on statutory rape, George Bisharat, a professor at Hasting College of the Law, said:
Making examples out of people by sending them to prison seems unfair. I can’t imagine that (53) DA’s offices across the state all simultaneously have come to the decision to reactivate these laws. They’re being directed to do it from on high. And what district attorney wouldn’t jump at the chance of getting more money, expanding staff and possibly accruing some political clout? (Finz 2)
Bisharat ex...

... middle of paper ...

... It is their life to live and they should be able to make their own choices. All of the oppositions statements are either illogical or beneficial to the statement that is should not be considered statutory rape for a minor to have sex with someone 3 years or older.

Works Cited

Finz, Stacy. "Statutory Rape Convictions Increasing." San Francisco Chronicle (San
Francisco, CA). Feb. 25 1998: A1+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Apr. 2014
McCullough, Marie. “Creating Babies Against the Law: A Widening Debate.”
Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA). 06 Apr. 1997: A1+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 14 Apr. 2014
Shin, Annys. “A New Twist on an Old Law.” Ms.. May/June 1998: 27. SIRS
Issues Researcher. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.
Walker, Christopher. “Rated Risky: Behind Closed Doors.” Patriot Ledger (Quincy,
MA). 20 May. 2002: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 Apr. 2014

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