The laws also state that children must generally be 14 years of age or older in order to be eligible for emancipation (where a minor is no longer legally under the care of his or her parents).
When it comes to having the capacity to undertake certain legal actions, California law allows a minor to sue to enforce his or her rights -- although a guardian must conduct the actual lawsuit for the minor.
In May 2004, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned Dixon’s conviction, stating that he should’ve been prosecuted on the lesser charge of misdemeanor statutory rape, which carries a maximum sentence of one year.
(a) Rape is an act of sexual intercourse accomplished with a person not the spouse of the perpetrator, under any of the following circumstances: (1) Where a person is incapable, because of a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability, of giving legal consent, and this is known or reasonably should be known to the person committing the act.In California, except for a few restrictions relating to real and personal property, a minor may also make valid legal contracts.A minor may also consent to medical treatment if he or she is: at least 15 years of age, living apart from parents, and managing his or her own personal finances.Age of consent laws essentially prohibit a minor from engaging in sexual acts consensually, even if they are willing participants.Until an individual reaches the age of 18 in California, they are not legally considered capable of providing their own consent.