What impact does the use of force have on the classification of statutory rape?

The classification of statutory rape is primarily based on the age of the individuals involved and the concept of consent, where individuals below a certain age are deemed incapable of giving consent. However, the use of force is a significant factor that alters the legal classification of the offense. When force is used during the act, it escalates the severity of the crime, resulting in its reclassification as forcible rape. Forcible rape involves elements such as coercion or violence, indicating a lack of consent, which heightens the legal ramifications of the act compared to statutory rape. Given this understanding, the answer regarding the use of force appropriately reflects the serious nature of such acts, aligning with legal principles that differentiate between consensual sexual encounters with minors and those that involve violence or coercion.