I was addressing a different issue.

One that seems to be off of your main thread.

I agree that "trauma" depends on the people involved, the circumstances, the results, and lots of similar things.

What I was attempting to address was the issue of whether a child (maybe not physically, maybe even not mentally, but perhaps emotionally a child) can give "consent". (You said, earlier in the thread, "I DO NOT believe it is traumatic when both partners consent, however.") The law usually says no. E.g. a child can't legally enter into (most?) contracts. They usually regarded under the law as being in need of protection.

I think we all know that children can be fairly easily manipulated, and are capable of manipulating each other to consent to do things that aren't in their interest. Simply saying that they each consented doesn't address the issue of whether the consent was freely given, etc., or whether it can be reasonably given by someone who is too young.

So you're concentrating on the trauma, I'm concentrating on the consent.

My $0.02.

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #37,388 by Another Scott 5/3/02 5:55:58 PM Reply	I was addressing a different issue. One that seems to be off of your main thread. I agree that "trauma" depends on the people involved, the circumstances, the results, and lots of similar things. What I was attempting to address was the issue of whether a child (maybe not physically, maybe even not mentally, but perhaps emotionally a child) can give "consent". (You said, earlier in the thread, "I DO NOT believe it is traumatic when both partners consent, however.") The law usually says no. E.g. a child can't legally enter into (most?) contracts. They usually regarded under the law as being in need of protection. I think we all know that children can be fairly easily manipulated, and are capable of manipulating each other to consent to do things that aren't in their interest. Simply saying that they each consented doesn't address the issue of whether the consent was freely given, etc., or whether it can be reasonably given by someone who is too young. So you're concentrating on the trauma, I'm concentrating on the consent. My $0.02. Cheers, Scott.
Post #37,392 by imric 5/3/02 6:24:47 PM Reply	Hmm. I was thinking of consensual in the sense that the child wasn't compelled against thier will. Now, kids CAN be manipulated - and tricked, of course. That's why there IS an age of majority, after all. I think the age that one can truly understand the consequences of your actions in this regard is about 35, though. Maybe 40. Imric's Tips for Living Paranoia Is a Survival Trait Pessimists are never disappointed - but sometimes, if they are very lucky, they can be pleasantly surprised... Even though everyone is out to get you, it doesn't matter unless you let them win.
Post #37,443 by Mike 5/4/02 1:57:08 AM Reply	Yes >>I think the age that one can truly understand the consequences of your >>actions in this regard is about 35, though. Excellent. -- William Shatner's Trousers --

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