Kansas kids can marry. Say what?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the legality and implications of child marriage in Kansas, specifically addressing the age requirements and societal reactions. Participants explore the historical context of such laws, personal anecdotes, and broader concerns regarding the implications of allowing minors to marry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express disbelief at the legal age for marriage in Kansas, noting that girls can marry at 12 and boys at 14 with parental consent.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of allowing minors to marry, with some participants suggesting that such marriages should not be legally recognized.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about growing up in Alabama, highlighting their own experiences with early marriage.
  • Another participant mentions a case where a legally married couple from Kansas faced legal issues in another state, suggesting that laws may vary significantly across regions.
  • Some participants argue that the laws allowing child marriage are outdated and reflect a different societal context.
  • There is a discussion about the legal capacity of minors to enter into contracts, with differing opinions on whether such marriages should be considered valid contracts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the appropriateness and implications of child marriage laws in Kansas. There is no consensus on whether such marriages should be allowed or how they should be legally treated.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference historical laws and societal norms that may have influenced current regulations, indicating that the discussion is influenced by varying interpretations of legality and morality surrounding child marriage.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring legal, social, and ethical implications of marriage laws, particularly concerning minors, as well as individuals interested in regional legal differences in the United States.

dlgoff
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Kansas kids can marry. Say what??

It seems like kansas is in the news again. There are no laws on the books to prevent (with parents consent) kids to marry. Girls need to be at least 12 years old and boy 14.

Can you believe it?
 
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dlgoff said:
It seems like kansas is in the news again. There are no laws on the books to prevent (with parents consent) kids to marry. Girls need to be at least 12 years old and boy 14.
Can you believe it?
More unbelievable was a case in some mid-western state last year where someone was charged for statutory rape for having sex with their 13 year old bridge.

I dunno, people are nuts. The more I hear about what people do, the more I'm sure they're totally insane.
 
This kansas states got to go. I say we all have a 2nd civil war. It will be the North/south/east/west vs. Kansas.
 
wasteofo2 said:
More unbelievable was a case in some mid-western state last year where someone was charged for statutory rape for having sex with their 13 year old bridge.
I dunno, people are nuts. The more I hear about what people do, the more I'm sure they're totally insane.
I know what you mean.

Having sex with your bridge is totally legal. What is this world coming to??!??
 
pattylou said:
I know what you mean.
Having sex with your bridge is totally legal. What is this world coming to??!??

Well new york is trying to ban people having sex with their homes...
 
Twelve and fourteen... that's kinda scary.
 
As a native Kansas, I got to stick up for my state here. We're not all that crazy. But, I have to admit, the case that wasteofo2 was talking about was when when 2 kids that were legally married in Kansas moved to another state (Nebraska I think) where their marriage wasn't legal. We have a lot of laws here left over from the days of the old west.
 
I can't imagine that would be allowable. Neither a 12 or 14 year can legally sign (validly that is) a binding contract. In fact, only people recognized as adults (usually 18 years of age and older) of sound mind can take part in a legal contract.

I would hope that such a marriage would not take place. I hope that such a couple would not be given a marriage license, and I would hope no parent would consent to such a marriage.

I would have people wait at least until they are 18 years of age before getting married, and preferably older.
 
oh, big whoop. I grew up in Alabama, and I already had two ex-husbands before I got out of the eighth grade. Got two nice trailers and a gun rack out of the settlements to boot!
 
  • #10
You musta had a mighty fine lawyer
 
  • #11
You just have to have your parents permission to get married first. Then it's nice and legal.
 
  • #12
Astronuc said:
I can't imagine that would be allowable. Neither a 12 or 14 year can legally sign (validly that is) a binding contract. In fact, only people recognized as adults (usually 18 years of age and older) of sound mind can take part in a legal contract.
I would hope that such a marriage would not take place. I hope that such a couple would not be given a marriage license, and I would hope no parent would consent to such a marriage.
I would have people wait at least until they are 18 years of age before getting married, and preferably older.
Minors can legally contract okay but the contracts are unenforceable unless they are for 'necessaries'

Perhaps they can argue their marriage was a 'necessary'. :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
That's normal. You have to remember that those laws were written many years ago, when it was acceptable for people to marry at that age.

Nobody would let children marry today, even though it's legal.
 
  • #14
Math Is Hard said:
oh, big whoop. I grew up in Alabama, and I already had two ex-husbands before I got out of the eighth grade.
It's tough to lose a brother, so I hope that you're still on speaking terms with them.
 
  • #15
Pengwuino said:
You musta had a mighty fine lawyer
As a matter of fact I think he was husband number three.
 

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