Under what circumstances can a person under 12 legally have sex?

The option stating that a person under 12 can never legally have sex is rooted in laws designed to protect minors from exploitation and abuse. Many jurisdictions set a minimum age for consent, and this age is typically well above 12 years old. The intention behind these laws is to safeguard children from potential harm and to recognize their inability to provide informed consent at such a young age.

Given that individuals under 12 are generally not considered capable of understanding the complexities and consequences of sexual relationships, the legal frameworks prioritize their welfare. This means that any sexual activity involving someone below the established age of consent is considered illegal, regardless of circumstances, including parental consent or the ages of the individuals involved.

In contrast, the other choices suggest possibilities that are not legally recognized in most places. For example, parental consent does not override laws that prohibit sexual activity at a young age. Similarly, the age difference provision mentioned in another option does not apply to individuals under the legal consent age, affirming that the law is structured to provide absolute protection to this vulnerable demographic.