Originally Posted by xenigo

I've done a bit of research regarding this topic, and my conclusion is that the law and conviction is based not on the age, but on the physical development of the minor. For instance, if the law seeks to convict you of pedophilia, they would not be required to prove to a jury that you were fucking a woman that appeared to be 35 but you neglected to check her ID, but that she had narrow hips, and under-developed breasts, and legitimately appeared to be underage. The distinction being an attraction to children, not physically developed minors.

Of course, you will still be convicted if you have sex with a 17 year and 364 day old, but the argument will not be that you were a pedophile.

Also... judges & juries tend to convict people based not on actions, but on intentions.