Ep 3. Age of Consent

This is Life with Lisa Ling season 4 episode 3, titled "Age of Consent," explores the controversial topic of age of consent laws in the United States. Lisa Ling travels across the country to meet with individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by these laws.

The episode begins with Ling meeting with a young woman named Sarah who, at the age of 18, was prosecuted and convicted for having a sexual relationship with her 15-year-old girlfriend. Now a registered sex offender, Sarah describes the devastating consequences of her conviction, including difficulty finding employment and housing and being ostracized by her community.

Ling also speaks with a man named Joe, whose son was convicted of statutory rape at the age of 19 for having a consensual relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Joe argues that the age of consent laws are too strict and fail to take into account the nuances and complexities of teenage relationships.

Throughout the episode, Ling interviews legal experts, psychologists, and advocates on both sides of the age of consent debate. Some argue that the laws are necessary to protect minors from sexual exploitation, while others argue that they criminalize consensual sexual behavior between teenagers and unfairly target marginalized communities.

Ling also speaks with a young couple who met when the girl was 16 and the boy was 19. They discuss the challenges they faced due to their age difference and the stigma attached to their relationship.

The episode concludes with Ling offering her own perspective on the issue and urging viewers to think critically about the impact of age of consent laws on young people's lives.

Overall, "Age of Consent" is a thought-provoking and timely episode that raises important questions about consent, sexuality, and the criminal justice system in the United States.