The Romeo & Juliet Rule: One of Idaho's Most Controversial Laws

Idaho's Romeo and Juliet law: interesting or controversial?

That depends on who you're talking to. The original intent behind the law was to prevent serious criminal charges being pushed against older teens in consensual sexual relationships with partners near their age.

In an article on Idaho's statutory rape laws, CriminalDefenseLawyer.com also noted that the Romeo & Juliet Rule protects teens from being branded as registered sex offenders for engaging in otherwise normal teenage activities and relationships.

How does Idaho use the Romeo & Juliet Rule?

In Idaho, the law exclusively applies to consensual sex acts involving 16 or 17-year-old teenagers. If the age difference between two teens is less than three to five years, the older of the two will not face criminal charges. For example, a 17-year-old girl in a relationship with a 19-year-old young adult would be considered legal (excluding certain scenarios and conditions).

Where do Idaho parents stand on the Romeo & Juliet Rule?

A three-year age gap can look and feel like a major deal when we're talking about someone who's technically an adult in a relationship with a high schooler.

Imagine being an Idaho parent who inherently disagrees with the statewide rule. In their eyes, the Romeo & Juliet Rule may well resonate like a get-out-of-jail-free card instead for the predator pursuing their teen. You can see how the subject is a slippery, possibly even triggering topic to many an Idaho parent.

Whether you agree or disagree, Idaho lawmakers created the Romeo and Juliet Rule to be practical and fair to teenage relationships, even if it raises a few concerns or a few parents' blood pressure.

Scroll for...

Picking any of these Idaho flowers can you with a $1k fine
A look at 11 Idaho laws that sound more like stupid jokes
Washington's Weirdest Laws: 11 regs locals & tourists can't believe exist

Get our free mobile app

10+ bizarre Idaho & California laws on love & sex
14 bumper stickers Californians should remove from their cars ASAP
An odd list of 23 things banned in Idaho & Washington trash cans

15 Wildflowers You're Forbidden to Pick in Idaho

Before you pull over to pick a bundle of beautiful flowers for your dining room table, think twice. It's actually illegal to gather more than a dozen kinds of wildflowers in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Valenzuela

11 Idaho Laws That Sound More Like Stupid Jokes

Isn't it crazy that in 2024, it's legal for Idaho locals to do these things?! Especially when they're doing some of them behind the wheel 😳 Scroll for a look at 11 things we can't believe are STILL legal in the Gem State.