In some states, a mistaken but reasonable belief that a minor is 18 years old or older is a complete defense to the crime of statutory rape. In most other states, it is no defense to the crime.

Question

In some states, a mistaken but reasonable belief that a minor is 18 years old or older is a complete defense to the crime of statutory rape. In most other states, it is no defense to the crime.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In some jurisdictions, a defendant may argue a "mistake of age" defense, asserting they reasonably believed the minor was of legal age, which can be a complete defense to statutory rape charges. However, in many other states, statutory rape is a strict liability offense, meaning the defendant's belief about the victim's age, no matter how reasonable, is not a defense.

In Some States, a Mistaken but Reasonable Belief That a Minor