Legal Definitions - adult

An adult, in a legal sense, refers to an individual who has reached the age of majority. This is the specific age, determined by law in a particular jurisdiction (such as a state or country), at which a person is legally recognized as having the full rights, privileges, and responsibilities of an adult. Before reaching this age, an individual is generally considered a minor. While the age of majority is commonly set at 18 years old in many places, it can vary significantly depending on the specific laws of a given location.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of an adult in legal contexts:

• Contractual Capacity: Imagine a young person who wishes to rent their own apartment. To legally sign a lease agreement, which is a binding contract, they must have reached the age of majority. If they are a minor, the landlord would typically require a parent or guardian to co-sign the lease, or the contract might not be fully enforceable against the minor, demonstrating that adults possess the legal capacity to enter into such agreements independently.

• Criminal Responsibility: Consider a situation where an individual commits a crime. If they have reached the age of majority, they will be processed and tried within the adult criminal justice system, facing the full range of penalties applicable to adults. In contrast, a minor committing the same offense would typically be handled by a juvenile court system, which often focuses more on rehabilitation and has different sentencing guidelines, highlighting the distinct legal responsibilities of adults.

• Exercising Civic Rights: A person eager to cast their vote in a national election must first meet the age requirement. The right to vote is a fundamental civic privilege typically reserved for individuals who have attained the age of majority, as they are legally presumed to possess the maturity and judgment necessary to participate in democratic processes. This illustrates how reaching adulthood grants specific civic rights and responsibilities.