c. 265, § 23
Rape and abuse of child
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever unlawfully has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse, and abuses a child under 16 years of age, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years or, except as otherwise provided, for any term in a jail or . A prosecution commenced under this section shall neither be continued without a finding nor placed on file.
Simplified explanation
Statutory rape (unlawfully having sexual intercourse with and abusing a child under 16) is punishable by up to life in state prison or any term in a jail or house of correction.