What is the charge when a 17-year-old and a 13-year-old are involved in promoting juvenile prostitution?

When considering the scenario involving a 17-year-old and a 13-year-old in the context of promoting juvenile prostitution, the charge of solicitation of a minor is appropriate because it specifically addresses the act of engaging with a minor for illicit purposes, particularly in a sexual context. In this case, the older individual may be attempting to solicit the younger one for prostitution, which constitutes a criminal offense under laws designed to protect minors.

This charge reflects the legal framework that seeks to prevent the exploitation of children and young adolescents, recognizing that minors cannot legally give consent to engage in such activities. This aligns with the objectives of protecting minors from exploitation and abuse, lending weight to the appropriateness of the charge.

In contrast, other options either do not fully capture the nature of the offense in this specific context or apply differently. Human trafficking pertains more broadly to the illegal trade of people for exploitation, often involving coercion or deceit, while statutory rape specifically involves sexual intercourse with a minor and doesn't encompass the act of promoting prostitution as described. Child exploitation is a broader term that may cover various forms of abuse and neglect, but in this context, solicitation of a minor precisely addresses the specific act of coercing or persuading a minor to engage in prostitution.