Legal Definitions - infra aetatem

infra aetatem is a Latin legal phrase meaning "underage." It refers to an individual who has not yet reached the legal age of majority, which is the age at which a person is considered an adult in the eyes of the law and is fully responsible for their own actions and decisions. This age can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific legal context, such as entering into contracts, voting, or consuming alcohol.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of infra aetatem:

• Contractual Capacity: A 16-year-old attempts to sign a lease agreement for an apartment without a parent or guardian co-signing. In this situation, the 16-year-old is considered infra aetatem for the purpose of entering into a binding contract. Most jurisdictions provide that contracts signed by minors are "voidable" at the minor's discretion, meaning the minor can choose to cancel the agreement, protecting them from potentially unfavorable obligations.

• Criminal Justice System: A 15-year-old is accused of shoplifting from a local store. Because the individual is infra aetatem, their case would typically be handled within a juvenile justice system rather than an adult criminal court. This distinction acknowledges that minors may have different levels of culpability and focuses more on rehabilitation and guidance rather than the punitive measures often applied to adult offenders.

• Age-Restricted Activities: A 17-year-old tries to purchase alcoholic beverages at a store in a country where the legal drinking age is 18 or 21. The individual is infra aetatem for the purpose of purchasing alcohol. Laws establishing a minimum drinking age are designed to prevent those considered legally underage from engaging in certain activities deemed inappropriate or potentially harmful for their age group.