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I'm Confused by a Certain Plot Point Spoiler Alert

posted 11 years ago by Jayden933
3 replies | jump to latest

Okay when Mel finds out about Leigh and the boy's relationship, she freaks out saying she'll have to tell the boy's parents and she'll either be fired from or have to resign from the school. Besides the fact that this relationship is strange and irresponsible, what sort of responsibility does Mel have to bring this relationship to light and resign from her job? I understand she probably morally understands the relationship is wrong and she needs to tell the parents, but how does it involve the school at all? Furthermore, a quick google search finds that the legal age of consent in Connecticut (where this story takes place) is 16, so *technically* this isn't statutory rape and is legal. Any ideas?

[–] gemaria16 11 years ago

Mel, as the assistant principal, would be considered a "mandated reporter" anytime a minor child is harmed in some way or put in an developmentally inappropriate situation. Any counselor, medical professional, or school personnel is a legally mandated reporter - she could be legally responsible if someone else found out about it and that she knew and did nothing. You are right about each state's laws being different. I think in the real world she would be arrested for statuatory rape because he was a minor, although if he were 18 and she was 31 that would not be illegal. I am not sure if a parent has to press charges or the District Attorney could just do it, but if the the "victim" and his parent deny anything wrong happened then I am not sure files would be charged.

[–] Jayden933 11 years ago

Thanks for the reply. The term mandated reporter is a new subject to me. I understand the notion behind it, but never knew there was an actual title with a legally binding responsibility.

[–] KingJohnTX 11 years ago

If the age of consent is 16, he wouldn't be a minor.

"And it made me wonder, would I do the same? What would I sacrifice to be loved? Not my balls."

I'm Confused by a Certain Plot Point *Spoiler Alert*

I'm Confused by a Certain Plot Point Spoiler Alert