So this must mean the law refers to more subtle matters: Responsibility in case something does go wrong, willpower to make the right decisions, understanding of sex and when it is correct to have it, being able to tell when you are being manipulated, and an understanding of the effects of sex on relationships.

Now I can go in an obvious but controversial direction with this and argue that the rare teenager may be mature enough to handle this, but this isn't interesting. What's much more fascinating is that I know plenty of 30 year olds who wouldn't pass these tests. How long does it really take before adults can tell they are being used? How long before they act responsibly and have the willpower to be consistent with what they know? How many ever reach an understanding of sex, its full consequences and its power? Who says that a superficial knowledge of how to use and control sex is enough? And what about having sex with people under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even strong emotions?

One can argue that responsibility is the key issue and that even if adults make mistakes, at least they are mature enough to handle it. But this isn't always the case either. If all adults were mature about their sexual decisions, they wouldn't need so much revenge and therapy after their errors in judgement.

So why don't more people look at a 26 year old after they get to know them and think "this person has not yet reached the age of consent"? In fact, why not declare casual sex as illegal since in this case one obviously did not have enough time to determine whether one's partner has reached the age of consent?