What is the Age of Consent in Mississippi?

The authority or position of the older person, and whether the younger person is under a certain “protected” age.

A particularly important rule in Mississippi is that sexual  age of consent in mississippi  activity with a minor **under age 14** is always illegal, regardless of the age of the other person. The state treats sexual conduct with someone younger than fourteen as **statutory rape**, even if the parties are close in age and even if the younger person claims to have agreed. Mississippi law also considers it a crime for someone **36 months (3 years) or more older** to engage in sexual activity with someone who is **under the age of 16**. In those cases, the older partner may be charged with statutory rape or sexual battery, depending on specific circumstances.

Another layer exists when the older partner holds a position of authority or trust over the minor — for example, a teacher, coach, clergy member, or guardian. In those situations, even if the minor is 16 or older, the relationship can still be illegal because the law recognizes that consent may be compromised due to power imbalance. Mississippi also has laws dealing with minors aged 16–17 and adults when the sexual relationship causes pregnancy, where additional penalties or mandatory registration might apply depending on the facts.

It is also important to understand that even though age of consent may be 16, **distribution or possession of sexual images of minors** (anyone under 18) is illegal, including “self-produced” images. Sexting laws can apply even between two minors.