Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Because these laws area still on the books does not mean it is a common practice. How many 12 year old girls legally married in Massachusetts?
Hopefully zero. As I already said, the Massachusetts law probably is probably an old law that was left on the books because the state never bothered changing it. It's still the law.
Here's what we know about Juan Miranda-Jara and his 12 year old girlfriend: The girls entire family was fine with it. Her parents were okay with it. Nobody realized that anything was wrong. Well, if they happened to live in Massachusetts, we already know that there was parental consent. Just find a judge willing to give the okay and they could be married. Boom! This entire scenario just became 100% legal!! Or we could move it over to California and Juan Miranda-Jara would be just 2 years too old for him to have 100% legal consensual sex with his 12 year old girlfriend. He's needs to be within 10 years of the girl's age. He's 24. If he were 22 then the whole thing would be legal in CA. The Massachusetts law is probably old, but it's on the books and this couple could have legitimately cited them. The California law was just signed into law last year. The corresponding law making same-sex consent legal within 10 years was signed just weeks ago.
Hopefully zero. As I already said, the Massachusetts law probably is probably an old law that was left on the books because the state never bothered changing it. It's still the law.
Here's what we know about Juan Miranda-Jara and his 12 year old girlfriend: The girls entire family was fine with it. Her parents were okay with it. Nobody realized that anything was wrong. Well, if they happened to live in Massachusetts, we already know that there was parental consent. Just find a judge willing to give the okay and they could be married. Boom! This entire scenario just became 100% legal!! Or we could move it over to California and Juan Miranda-Jara would be just 2 years too old for him to have 100% legal consensual sex with his 12 year old girlfriend. He's needs to be within 10 years of the girl's age. He's 24. If he were 22 then the whole thing would be legal in CA. The Massachusetts law is probably old, but it's on the books and this couple could have legitimately cited them. The California law was just signed into law last year. The corresponding law making same-sex consent legal within 10 years was signed just weeks ago.
True. There are unique cases. Could have gone either way. Since she was pregnant, he had already broken the law and they could get him on statutory rape or a judge could rule in the best interest of all for them to marry. I'd say such ruling would be very rare. Mexico has similar legal marriage ages and consent as well yet in some Mexican states although not legal it is common and often acceptable for minor girls to marry even as young as 12 and start families.
Its not shocking or surprising as we all know this type thing happens globally, its the commonality and/or social acceptance that is upsetting.
Hopefully zero. As I already said, the Massachusetts law probably is probably an old law that was left on the books because the state never bothered changing it. It's still the law.
Here's what we know about Juan Miranda-Jara and his 12 year old girlfriend: The girls entire family was fine with it. Her parents were okay with it. Nobody realized that anything was wrong. Well, if they happened to live in Massachusetts, we already know that there was parental consent. Just find a judge willing to give the okay and they could be married. Boom! This entire scenario just became 100% legal!! Or we could move it over to California and Juan Miranda-Jara would be just 2 years too old for him to have 100% legal consensual sex with his 12 year old girlfriend. He's needs to be within 10 years of the girl's age. He's 24. If he were 22 then the whole thing would be legal in CA. The Massachusetts law is probably old, but it's on the books and this couple could have legitimately cited them. The California law was just signed into law last year. The corresponding law making same-sex consent legal within 10 years was signed just weeks ago.
True. There are unique cases. Could have gone either way. Since she was pregnant, he had already broken the law and they could get him on statutory rape or a judge could rule in the best interest of all for them to marry. I'd say such ruling would be very rare. Mexico has similar legal marriage ages and consent as well yet in some Mexican states although not legal it is common and often acceptable for minor girls to marry even as young as 12 and start families.
Its not shocking or surprising as we all know this type thing happens globally, its the commonality and/or social acceptance that is upsetting.
Well, even in Mexico, the age of consent is 17. In 2012, it was raised from 12 to 15. So...I can see how this couple would've thought everything was fine.
That said, when you're in another country, you're subject to that country's laws.
Please cite a source for the limitation to 14 year olds.
Assuming that you're correct, limiting things to 14+ helps, but not much. I'm still not thinking, "Yay!!! A 24 year old man can legally screw a 14 year old girl!! A 24 year old woman can legally screw a 14 year old boy!! Hurray for the wonderful progress we've just made!!"
Well, even in Mexico, the age of consent is 17. In 2012, it was raised from 12 to 15. So...I can see how this couple would've thought everything was fine.
That said, when you're in another country, you're subject to that country's laws.
Yeah, but the media and some posters want us to believe they are from Oklahoma, USA, not somewhere in Mexico.
Status:
"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 10 days ago)
35,636 posts, read 17,982,736 times
Reputation: 50677
I'd be interested to know if they are US citizens, and if not, just allowing them to return home, with no criminal charges might be the best. With the baby now born on US soil, though, that child is a citizen.
This article states that they had family support for their relationship, and even a baby shower complete with pictures and facebook posts.
This is just their culture. He's there, ready to be a dad to this baby, and she's there, ready to be a mom.
Not what I'd choose for a daughter, but this is what their family and communities do.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
