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Depending on where you live - in some states the age of consent is as low as 14, again, 15/16 is the norm, a few states still have 18 as the age of consent. It often matches the age that a parent can sign for their child to get married. It has been adjusted down in many states due to teen pregnancy trends - don't ask me for the logic that's just what has happened.
Also, the "adult" party sometimes has to be over 18, it is usually 19 and above. However, even if it is a consensual relationship, say between a 19 and a 16 year old, it may not be statutory rape, but it could still be illegal - it might constitute contributing to the deilnquency of a minor. It all depends on how the statutes are written - the unfortunate part is that often times when it is blatant it isn't prosecuted! I'm not even sure of what R.Kelly is charged with but from what I've heard the "pornography" charges are more serious - I don't know what the age of consent is in Illinois.
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