how is it that if a 16 and a 13 year old have intercourse it is illegal in iowa?

Answer 1

I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT COULD BE LEGAL. JUST CAUSE SOMETHING IS LEGAL DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT. I CAN SEE DAVENPORT IOWA FROM WHERE I LIVE. I LIVE IN THE QUAD CITIES ILLINOIS. I DON'T GO OVER TO IOWA CAUSE I DON'T LIKE IT. ITS DIRTY, THERE'S ALOT OF CRIME. THE BRIDGE TO IOWA IS CLOSE TO MY APARTMENT.

Answer 2

The general rule regarding two minors of the opposite sex having normal (i.e., vaginal) intercourse is that if one of the minors is below the age of consent for sex (commonly 16, but it varies by jurisdiction) then the other may not be more than, say, two or perhaps one year older.

A number of legal principles apply: the crime of seduction (which may no longer be a crime anywhere) which was rendered moot and incapable of prosecution if the accused married the woman. (In those days, and perhaps most places today too, a minimum age for marriage can be and is waived by a judge if the girl is pregnant.) Statutory rape cannot be forgiven or excused so easily, but in most (90%? of) cases it is never prosecuted in, or prior to, marriage.

Two newsorthy cases come to mind: Maryland -- Wayne Compton (29) and Tina Akers (13) (Washington Post, September 29, 1998, page A1; and Nebraska -- Matthew Koso (22), who married his pregnant 14-year-old girlfriend in Kansas ("The indictment drew international headlines until a plea bargain was negotiated. On February 7, 2006, Judge Daniel Bryan sentenced Koso to 18 to 30 months in prison. According to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Koso is scheduled to be released on May 5, 2007.") (NY Times, Aug. 30, 2005, "Rape Charge Follows Marriage to a 14-Year-Old")

Iowa law seems rather more inclusive than most:

709.8 Lascivious acts with a child.
It is unlawful for any person sixteen years of age or older to perform any of the following acts with a child with or without the child's consent unless married to each other, for the purpose of arousing or satisfying the sexual desires of either of them: [click on Iowa link below for rest of text]

See also: "Iowa's Residency Rules Drive Sex Offenders Underground", NY Times, Mr. 15, 2006.

Indeed: it is unwise to pass laws that are unenforceable (like laws against consensual oral sex, that many states have; New York, last time I looked, made it legal only between married couples; and of course NY has just made it clear that homosexual couples may not marry).

Answer 3

I don't know the exact law of Iowa, but I believe that the reason for it is, that a 16-year-old is more mature and probably knows what is going on. 13-year-olds don't know it as good.
But if it is illegal, there sure is a very good reason for it.

Answer 4

It's probably just a law in IA. Every state has "old" laws on the books that were enacted at some point in time to fit some particular circumstance. There are many things that are illegal by law but are rarely enforced or enforceable.

Answer 5

Because Iowa is what it stands for....Idiots Out Wandering Around




thats one state we could get rid of and nobody would lose any sleep

Answer 6

cause ur 2 young 2 b doing that but every state has there own laws iowa just desided that was theres...

Answer 7

It's illegal everywhere in the western world, except Japan which has no age of consent.

Answer 8

It's called a prederm, that means it's not legal, but it's also not illegal!

Answer 9

it all depends on the age of consent

Answer 10

because your toooo bloody young thats why