Colorado’s close-in-age exemption, typically referred to informally by a preferred literary moniker, addresses consensual sexual relationships between minors the place the age distinction falls inside a particular vary. As an illustration, it permits a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old to interact in a sexual relationship with out the older associate going through prosecution for statutory rape, offered particular circumstances are met. These circumstances typically embrace concerns of coercion, exploitation, and the pre-existing relationship dynamics.
This statutory exception seeks to forestall the criminalization of consensual sexual exercise between younger individuals whose ages are shut collectively, recognizing the developmental phases and complexities of adolescent relationships. It goals to stability the safety of minors from sexual exploitation with the avoidance of overly harsh penalties for people partaking in age-appropriate relationships. Traditionally, such legal guidelines have emerged from the popularity that strict statutory rape legal guidelines can typically result in unintended and arguably unjust penalties.
