Can a 16 year old date a 18 year old Arizona?

Under Arizona law, it is not illegal to date someone who is under the age of 18. However, it becomes a legal issue when engaging in sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or oral sex, even if the activity is consensual.

Why do consent laws exist?

Age of consent laws are designed to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation and abuse from adults and older young people. Such laws determine that children and young people below the age of consent are yet to reach a level of general maturity enabling their safe participation in sexual activities.

What is the point of age of consent?

This would allow a sixteen-year-old to lawfully have sex with a fourteen-year-old, but make it criminal for an eighteen-year-old to have sex with that same fourteen-year-old. Examples of different states statutory ages of consent: California – The age of consent in California is 18.