Statutory Rape

Definition

Sexual conduct with a minor below the age of consent, legally presumed to lack capacity to consent regardless of perceived willingness.

Example Usage

The prosecution charged statutory rape based on the victim's age, regardless of other circumstances.

Origin

Legal term; age of consent laws date to medieval England

Fun Fact

Ages of consent vary dramatically by state and country, ranging from 16-18 in the U.S.

Source: Criminal law and statutory terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

constituent services

The assistance lawmakers provide to individual constituents navigating government bureaucracy, from passport problems to veteran benefits. The part of the job where politicians actually help people, which is why they emphasize it heavily during campaigns.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

sovereignty

Supreme authority within a territory, recognizing no legal superior in domestic or international affairs. The political equivalent of 'I'm not touching you'—technically independent while still subject to economic reality and military power.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

third rail

A political issue so controversial and dangerous that touching it means instant career death, named after the electrified rail that powers subway trains. Social Security reform is the classic example that politicians approach like it's literally radioactive.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

rainmaker

A political operative with seemingly magical fundraising abilities, capable of making money appear from donor networks. They're worth their weight in campaign gold because, in politics, money talks and everything else whispers.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

ratified

The formal political process of giving official approval to a treaty, amendment, or agreement—basically when enough important people sign off to make something legally binding. It's the difference between a handshake deal and an actual law, requiring specific legislative or constitutional procedures that vary by country. This is democracy's way of ensuring major decisions aren't made by one enthusiastic intern with a stamp.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

lame duck session

A legislative session held after an election but before newly elected members take office, where defeated or retiring lawmakers vote on policy with zero accountability. Democracy's equivalent of a going-out-of-business sale.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “Statutory Rape” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

Poo O Clock

The mysteriously synchronized time when herds of animals all decide to defecate simultaneously, as if responding to some...