You are here:

1st Amendment and Free Speech/21 year old dating a 16 year old

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/24/2007


Question
I was just curious as to the limitations of this relationship, I do realize that the age of consent is 16 in MN, but knowing that, I also know that if her parents say she is unable to go/do something with me, that I can be charged with kidnapping or possibly contributing to the delinquincy of a minor, correct? Any other information, help on this topic would be wonderful

Answer
Hello,

This is not really a First Amendment question, and I am not particularly an expert in this area, but yes, anything done with a minor carries with it special implications.  Even if statutory rape is not on the table, for example, if you took a questionable picture you could be charged with child pornography.  Some State include in their definition of kidnapping, removing a child to a location over the objections of parents.  Many States also have crimes involving the corruption of a minor or vaguer statutes like disturbing the peace that are applied in such situations.

Minnesota also has a fornication law still on the books making is a misdemeanor for any unmarried couple of any age to have sex.

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

1st Amendment and Free Speech

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Michael Troy

Expertise

I will answer general questions regarding freedom of speech, petition, or religion. I specialize in cases involving public employment or education, as well as issues related to campaign finance. But I can`t give specific legal advice involving specific cases you might have.

Experience

As an attorney for the Center for Individual Rights, I worked on a number of free speech cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia, in which the Supreme Court upheld my clients' right to run a student newspaper without discrimination because of its religious conent. I also worked on White v. Julian, which protected the right of people to protest against a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

I also worked for the Federal Election Commission on several cases regarding the right to participate in the election process.

Organizations
Former Attorney for Center for Individual Rights.

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
J.D. from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.