Which statement about the age of sexual consent in Michigan is accurate?

Which statement about the age of sexual consent in Michigan is accurate?

• A. Sexual contact with an individual younger than 16 years is illegal, regardless of consent.
• B. Sexual contact with a minor (younger than 16) is not illegal if the minor misrepresents their age.
• C. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds may consent to sexual contact with older individuals, regardless of status.
• D. Two 15-year-olds in a sexual relationship who both consent to the relationship will not face legal consequences due to a relative age rule.

Answer: (A)

In Michigan, the age of consent is 16. This means any sexual contact with someone younger than 16 is illegal, even if the younger person consents. Misrepresenting age does not create a legal defense, so going by what a minor says about their age does not make the act legal. The idea that 16- or 17-year-olds can freely consent to sex with older partners ignores related protections and potential charges in situations with significant age differences or specific roles. Likewise, two 15-year-olds, though both under 16, can still face legal consequences because the act involves a minor. Therefore, the accurate statement is that sexual contact with someone younger than 16 is illegal, regardless of consent.

In Michigan, the age of consent is 16. This means any sexual contact with someone younger than 16 is illegal, even if the younger person consents. Misrepresenting age does not create a legal defense, so going by what a minor says about their age does not make the act legal. The idea that 16- or 17-year-olds can freely consent to sex with older partners ignores related protections and potential charges in situations with significant age differences or specific roles. Likewise, two 15-year-olds, though both under 16, can still face legal consequences because the act involves a minor. Therefore, the accurate statement is that sexual contact with someone younger than 16 is illegal, regardless of consent.