Shouldn't the age of concent be standardized across the US?

Question

If you're 16 and your boyfriend is 18 and you're both in South Dakota, you're fine. But if you go to North Dakota, he could be arrested. This stuff makes no sense!

Basically I'm forced to cross state lines to enjoy Prom night!

Answer 1

Each state is a sovereign entity and has the right to set its own laws.

Incidentally, 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b) criminalizes traveling across state lines or into the United States for the purpose of engaging in any illicit sexual conduct. That's a FEDERAL law.

If you're going to worry about the state law, may as well worry about the feds too.

Answer 2

Sure, states have rights, but so do PEOPLE! I mean, it's kind of ridiculous that people wanting to do something as harmless as having some fun on prom night need to think "Oh, is that legal in this state?" It should be the same everywhere. Just like those damn curfews. I need to worry if I'm out past curfew in the CITY I'm driving through... sooooo annoying, how can people be expected to keep track of all that? Whether or not something is considered dangerous/illegal shouldn't vary depending on what state you're in, especially in the case of victimless crimes.

Answer 3

It's called state's rights. They used to have a lot more, but the federal government keeps stealing them.

By the way, you can enjoy with Prom night without having sex, you little nympho.

Answer 4

No, the constitution doesn't give the federal government the authority to regulate age of consent.

And trust me, don't have sex on prom night. You will regret it.

Answer 5

Maybe it should be.... but age of consent is a matter of State authority so you'd need to pursuade 50 different State legislatures to agree with you.

And you know, you CAN have fun without getting laid :-)

Richard