[JCEccles]

"Motives are irrelevant - I want to deal with facts," Marten said. "Where is the clear, credible evidence that underage sex is always injurious? If you tell me because it is illegal - I reject that," Marten said.

Another wannabe legislator in black robes.

Leave the bench and run for the state legislature, judge, if policy debates are your passion.

[null and void]

Maybe. I'm no defender this judge, but it seems like he's rejecting a circular argument.

It's illegal because it's harmful.
It's harmful because it's illegal.

A clearer definition/understanding of the problem would help focus enforcement on predators.