Statutory rape laws are generally far more concerned with the latter.They protect kids and teenagers from manipulative predators who can easily manipulate their way into a younger person’s heart and bedroom. what if I’m 16-years-old and my boyfriend just turned 18-years-old? Now, here’s where things get a little funky and there’s a name for this funkiness: Romeo and Juliet laws. Trust, it’s really not as over the top and fatal as it sounds.A teacher or coach or another adult is in a position of authority and power over someone who is underage, period. But when you’re still a teenager, age differences are a way bigger deal.

The point I’m making is that unless someone goes out of their way to bring you and your boo to court, you’re safe to continue doing whatever you two are doing.

So if you’re a little lost, think of it this way: Romeo and Juliet laws are in place to protect teens and young adults within a certain age range from getting in trouble just because they’re getting it on.

One thing that sucks about these provisions, however, is that some less progressive states or countries make sure that Romeo and Juliet laws don’t apply to same-sex couples. But if I was hooking up with, say, my soccer coach or something then– Yeah, going to protect your (creepy) coach in that case. Because like I said earlier the law also acknowledges power play.

For example, with age differences comes a power play.

Come on, we all know that there’s a difference between a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old being in a relationship compared to a 14-year-old and a 30-year-old.