A fork of Rural Dictionary
Lawson's clause is a modern adaptation to the traditionally established rule of dating (see "Half your age plus seven") regarding the socially acceptable age difference between couples in a relationship. Lawson's clause stipulates that, when there is an exorbitant amount of money or net worth involved with one of the parties, then the resulting age determined by the established formula is then modified. The resulting acceptable age will be multiplied by zero, and 18 will then added.
For example: a 48 year-old man can date a 31 year-old woman without social scrutiny (48/2=24+7=31). However, if the man is stinking rich, we then divide answer by zero, and add 18 (31x0=0+18=18). Thus, a very wealthy 48 year-old man can date an 18 year-old woman without scrutiny. This works both ways as well, male or female (see Demi Moore).
Q: Bill Belichick is dating a 24 year old? He's like 72... isn't that inappropriate?
A: But he's so stinking rich! Lawson's clause grants him an exemption.