Legal Definitions - aetas perfecta

Aetas perfecta is a Latin term originating from Roman law. It translates to "complete age" and refers to the legal concept of the age of majority. In modern legal systems, the age of majority is the specific age at which an individual is legally recognized as an adult. Upon reaching this age, a person gains full legal rights and responsibilities, including the capacity to enter into contracts, vote, marry without parental consent, and be held fully accountable for their actions under the law.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of aetas perfecta:

• Example 1: Voting Rights

  In many countries, the legal voting age is 18. When a young person turns 18, they are considered to have reached the aetas perfecta in that jurisdiction. This means they are now legally eligible to register and cast their vote in local and national elections, a right they did not possess as a minor.

• Example 2: Entering into Contracts

  Suppose a 17-year-old wants to sign a lease agreement for an apartment. Typically, they would need a parent or guardian to co-sign the lease because they are not yet of legal age to enter into a binding contract independently. However, once that individual turns 18 (reaching aetas perfecta), they can legally sign the lease on their own, taking full contractual responsibility for the agreement.

• Example 3: Criminal Accountability

  A 16-year-old who commits a crime might be processed through a juvenile justice system, which often focuses on rehabilitation rather than strict punishment. If that same individual were to commit an identical crime after turning 18, they would be considered to have reached aetas perfecta and would typically be tried as an adult in the criminal court system, facing adult penalties and legal procedures.