In Tennessee, there is a Romeo and Juliet exemption for consensual sexual acts between a minor who is 13 or older and a defendant who is less than four years older. For instance, a 17-year-old who engages in consensual sex with a 15-year-old cannot be prosecuted for statutory rape. (Tenn. Code § 39-13-506 (2018).)

How does Romeo and Juliet law work?

No adult aggressor will be able to claim the consent of a minor younger than 15 years old. As a consequence, a Romeo and Juliet clause allows for consensual sexual relations between a minor and an individual up to five years older.