State-by-State Legal Guides

As of 2025, many U.S. states have “Romeo and Juliet” laws that can reduce or eliminate criminal penalties for consensual sex between teens who are close in age, but the rules vary sharply by state. These exceptions typically depend on the age of consent, the partners’ age gap, and whether the relationship is non-coercive. This […]

As of 2025, most U.S. states have some form of “Romeo and Juliet” close-in-age exception, but the age gaps and minimum ages vary widely by state. These laws can reduce charges or penalties for consensual relationships between teenagers and young adults, yet they don’t automatically protect everyone or override other sex-offense statutes. This guide breaks […]