Legal Definitions - minor aetas

The term minor aetas is a historical legal concept referring to the period of a person's life before they reached the age of legal adulthood. It literally translates from Latin as "lesser age" and is synonymous with what we now call legal minority or infancy.

During minor aetas, an individual was generally considered to lack the full legal capacity to make certain decisions or enter into binding agreements, and their interests were often protected or managed by a guardian or parent until they reached the age of majority.

• Example 1: Contractual Agreements

  Imagine a 17-year-old aspiring musician who signs a contract with a record label without their parents' knowledge. In many historical legal systems, and even in modern law, this contract could be voidable because the musician was in their minor aetas. This means they were legally considered too young to fully understand and be bound by such a significant agreement, offering them protection from potentially exploitative terms.

• Example 2: Inheritance and Property Management

  Consider a child who, at the age of eight, inherits a large estate from a deceased relative. Due to their minor aetas, the child would not have the legal authority to manage, sell, or make decisions about the property themselves. Instead, a designated guardian or trustee would be appointed by the court to oversee the estate on their behalf until the child reached the age of majority, ensuring the assets were preserved and managed responsibly.

• Example 3: Legal Representation in Court

  Suppose a 12-year-old is the victim of an accident and needs to pursue a personal injury claim in court. Because they are in their minor aetas, they cannot legally represent themselves or directly initiate the lawsuit. A parent or legal guardian would typically file the claim on their behalf, acting as their "next friend" or representative to ensure the child's legal rights and interests are protected throughout the judicial process.