Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Pennsylvania

17year old dating 15 year old

i am currently 17 and will be 18 in feb. my girlfriend is 15 and will be 16 in october. is this illegal? her parents are fine with it. my parents are questiong it because they think it is illegal. we just want a answer. if you could somehow provide us with a reference or where you got your information that help to.

thank you very much!!!


Asked on 8/14/06, 8:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: 17year old dating 15 year old

It is NOT illegal for a 17 year old to date a 15 year old. Dating means going out, doing things, etc.

The question is about sexual relations. It is not illegal for a 17 year old to have sex with a 15 year old. However, an 18 year old who has sex with a person under 18 MAY be charged with corruption of minors, a misdemeanor.

It is NOT statutory sexual assault (statutory rape) for an 18 year old to have sex with a 16 year old, or a 14 or 15 year old for that matter (the rule is 14+4, 15+4, and 16-any age).

However, as I said, a person who is 18 or older can be charged with corruption of minors for having sex with a person under 18. Of course, there would have to be proof of the sexual contact, not just a parent saying it happened.

So, as to DATING--nothing illegal about anyone of any age going out on dates with anyone of any other age.

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Answered on 8/15/06, 1:05 pm
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: 17year old dating 15 year old

By the way, this question shouldn't be in the category of discrimination law. This is a criminal law question, and that's the category it should have been in.

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Answered on 8/15/06, 1:06 pm


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