What is the legal definition of consent in the context of statutory rape?

In the context of statutory rape, the legal definition of consent is often deemed irrelevant to the offense. Statutory rape laws are designed to protect individuals who are deemed incapable of giving legal consent due to their age. Regardless of whether a minor may have expressed consent, the law does not recognize that consent as valid if the individual is below the age of consent, which varies by state. Therefore, the presence or absence of consent does not affect the legality of the act, and any sexual activity with a minor is considered a crime, emphasizing the protective intent of these laws. This concept is crucial for ensuring that minors are safeguarded from exploitation and abuse, regardless of individual circumstances or perceptions regarding consent.