User:Violetbluesm/sandbox

Important keywords: limit for age in case of “Dating, age of consent, The Department of Justice for

the Government of Canada, sexual activity.

The Department of Justice for the Government of Canada works in developing the law policies helping to ensure a uniform and eminent justice system for all citizens. It legally supports the federal government.

It acts as the law firm of the Government. The Minister of Justice is also the Attorney General of Canada and the chief law officer of the Crown.

Laws governing dating:

There is no limit for age in case of “Dating” regarding a non-sexual relationship. But there is legislation regarding the age of consent in Canada.

Age of consent in Canada:

In Canada, on 1.5.2008 the Age of Consent was increased from 14 to 16 years by legislation. Kissing and touching also amounts to sexual activity.

The age of consent is 18 years in case of sexual activities involving exploitative activities like prostitution, pornography or in case of any relationship involving trust, authority or dependency.

Meaning of the term “Age of consent”:

The age of consent means the age at which the criminal law grants legal capacity of a teenager to give consent for sexual activity. But the sexual activities without consent, regardless of age, are a sexual assault.

The age of consent is also known as the "age of protection" in Canada.

Sexual activities involved:

The age of consent laws are applicable in case of sexual activities starting from sexual touching such as kissing to sexual intercourse.

But irrespective of age, according to the law, consent is immaterial if: the older person is in a position of trust or authority, or someone gives consent for someone else, or gives consent under the influence of drugs or alcohol or expresses a lack of agreement through words or conduct, or someone changed their

mind at any time, or someone threatens or uses force.

Exceptions: Laws of Dating in Canada. The Criminal Code provides "close in age" or "peer group" exceptions.

Any 14 or 15 year old can give his or her consent to sexual activity with a partner who is less than five years older and no relationship of trust, authority or dependency or any other exploitation of the young person is involved. Hence if the partner is 5 years or older than the 14 or 15 year old, any sexual activity amounts to a criminal offence save and except they are married to each other. But the marriage has to be solemnized according to the requirements of “solemnization" of marriage existing therein governing the rules of performance of marriage including the minimum age of marriage.

There is another "close-in-age" exception for 12 and 13 years olds people. They can give consent to sexual activity with another teenager less than two years older and there is no involvement of a relationship of trust, authority or dependency or other exploitation of the young person. Laws of Dating in Canada, Teenagers in Canada are also protected under the Criminal Code. Like in case of Sexual Interference it is specifically provided in the code that no one can touch any part of the body of a child who is under the age of 16 years for sexual purpose. The penalty awarded is imprisonment up to 10 years.