statutory rape: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “statutory rape” mean?
A criminal offense involving sexual intercourse with a person who is below the legal age of consent, regardless of whether the act was consensual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A criminal offense involving sexual intercourse with a person who is below the legal age of consent, regardless of whether the act was consensual.
A legal term referring to sexual relations where one participant is legally incapable of giving consent due to their age, as defined by statute, making consent irrelevant to the charge. The specific age of consent varies by jurisdiction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In legal contexts, both regions use the term. In the UK, terms like "sexual activity with a child under 16" (or under 13 for a more serious offence) are often used in specific statutes (Sexual Offences Act 2003), though 'statutory rape' is understood. In the US, 'statutory rape' is a more common lay and legal term, with specific state laws defining the exact age and conditions.
Connotations
Equally serious legal and moral connotations in both dialects. It is a grave criminal charge.
Frequency
The term is more frequently encountered in everyday American English media and legal discourse. In UK media, more specific phrasing like "underage sex" or "sex with a minor" is common, with "statutory rape" used in more formal or cross-jurisdictional discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “statutory rape” in a Sentence
He was charged with statutory rape.The law defines statutory rape as...A statutory rape conviction carries...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “statutory rape” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prosecutor argued he had statutorily raped the girl, a point he did not dispute.
- The act constitutes statutory raping under the 2003 Act.
American English
- He was found guilty of statutorily raping a 15-year-old.
- The statute defines what it means to statutory rape someone.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The statutory rape offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
- They discussed statutory rape legislation in Parliament.
American English
- He faced statutory rape charges in three states.
- The statutory rape law in California is known as 'Romeo and Juliet' law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in legal, criminology, sociology, and gender studies contexts.
Everyday
Used in news reports and serious discussions about crime and law.
Technical
Core term in criminal law and legal practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “statutory rape”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “statutory rape”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “statutory rape”
- Mispronouncing 'statutory' as 'statutary'.
- Using it to refer to a forcible rape (it is specifically age-based).
- Confusing it with 'rape' where lack of consent is proven, not presumed by law.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Forcible rape involves physical force, threat, or incapacitation where consent is absent. Statutory rape is based solely on the age of one participant; consent, even if given, is not legally valid.
No. 'Statutory' means 'defined by statute (law).' It is often a felony and a very serious crime, not a minor infraction.
Defences are very limited and vary by jurisdiction. A common misconception is a 'mistake of age' defence, but in many places, this is not a valid defence. Some jurisdictions have 'Romeo and Juliet' laws that provide exceptions for close-in-age minors.
Legally, the statute removes the possibility of valid consent from the younger party due to their age. Therefore, the law treats the act as non-consensual by definition, hence the term 'rape'.
A criminal offense involving sexual intercourse with a person who is below the legal age of consent, regardless of whether the act was consensual.
Statutory rape is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Statutory rape: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃətri ˈreɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstætʃətɔːri ˈreɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; it is a technical legal term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STATUTE (the law) says this RAPE occurred because of AGE, not necessarily force.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A PROTECTIVE BARRIER (The statute acts as a shield for minors, making consent impossible to give legally).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining element of statutory rape?