Still, I don't expect a kid that is 17 one day (and able to legally be with a girlfriend/boyfriend) and 18 the next day and understand it's illegal to date the same person. How many 18 year olds that are in high school do think about that? How many parents (whether their daughters/sons are dating someone 18 or younger) tell them to not see whoever they're dating? My guess, the majority don't listen. If we were talking a 20 year old or someone who'd been out of high school for a while that would be one thing but these two hung out together before they started dating. Didn't you ever date someone who was in the same social circle you were?
Cindie
Cindie,
The 18 year old woman was not arrested for
dating a 14 year old, she was arrested for
engaging in sexual contact or intercourse with a 14 year old.
I disagree with you: the 18 year old
was responsible to know she was breaking the law, and it is reasonable to expect her to know the law and to follow it. It's reasonable to blame her mother and father for poor parenting, but the ultimate responsibility falls on the young woman, who is
an adult in the eyes of the law. If she had killed the 14 year old, she would not be able to plead ignorance of the law.
Using examples from my own life:
*Before I turned 14, I knew the voting age was 18.
*Before I turned 14, I knew the legal drinking age was 18, and the punishment for Minor in Possession of Alcohol.
*Before I turned 14, I knew the legal smoking age was 18, and the punishment I could expect from my father if I was caught with cigarettes.
*Before I turned 14, I knew I was eligible for a farm driving permit on my birthday.
*Before I turned 15, I knew I was eligible for a learner's permit on my birthday.
*Before I turned 15, I knew I was required to take Hunter's Safety class before I could get a hunting license.
*Before I turned 16, I knew I was eligible for a driver's license on my birthday.
*Before I turned 17, I knew I was eligible to enlist in the Armed Forces on my birthday.
*At the age of 17 years, 1 month, and 15 days I was standing in formation at Ft Dix, NJ with my first Army haircut.
*At the age of 17 years, 3 months, I was responsible for safely and effectively operating an M16 rifle, hand grenade, M60 machine gun, M2 machine gun, Claymore mine, and M203 grenade launcher.
*At the age of 17 years, 7 months, I completed Army medic school, with all the responsibilities of that job.
*At the age of 17 years, 9 months I completed the Army flight medic course, with all the responsibilities of that job.
If she's old enough to enjoy the benefits of adulthood (voting, smoking, buying a car, etc.), then she's old enough to be held responsible for being an adult (statutory rape). I have no sympathy for her.