Statutory rape refers to what?

Statutory rape specifically pertains to sexual activity in which one participant is below the legal age of consent, rendering the encounter illegal regardless of the circumstances or the consent of the minor. The law recognizes that individuals below a certain age lack the legal capacity to give informed consent. This ensures that minors are protected from being exploited due to their age and inexperience.

In contrast, other forms of sexual assault, such as rape by force or any other type mentioned in the options, involve different legal definitions and circumstances. Rape by force would require an element of coercion or violence, which is not the focus of statutory rape laws. The term "rape of a statue" is nonsensical in this context and does not relate to any recognized legal charge. Therefore, statutory rape is distinct in its definition and legal implications, focusing predominantly on the age of the involved parties.