The focus of statutory rape laws has changed significantly over time. To this end, statutory rape laws historically penalized only males for having sexual relations with younger females. Evolution of Statutory Rape LawsĮarly statutory rape laws arose from the concern of protecting the chastity of young girls to ensure their eligibility for marriage. The law is complex and changes regularly. If you are trying to determine the legality of any kind of conduct, make sure to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. The information in this article provides an overview of laws relating to statutory rape.
