Legal Definitions - minor quam 25 annis

minor quam 25 annis

This Latin phrase translates directly to "less than 25 years." In a legal context, it refers to an individual who has not yet reached their 25th birthday. While the general age of majority in many jurisdictions is 18, certain legal provisions, historical statutes, or specific contractual agreements may designate 25 as a threshold for full legal capacity, the ability to inherit, or to undertake particular responsibilities without restriction.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1: Trust Fund Distribution
  A wealthy individual establishes a testamentary trust for their niece, specifying that the niece will receive full control and access to the principal of the trust only upon reaching the age of 25. Until then, the trust's assets are managed by a trustee, and the niece might only receive periodic income distributions. Explanation: In this scenario, the niece is considered "minor quam 25 annis" with respect to the trust's principal. The legal instrument (the trust document) imposes a specific age requirement of 25 for full control, even if the niece is legally an adult at 18 for other purposes.
• Example 2: Historical Legal Capacity for Public Office
  In a historical legal system, a statute might have dictated that individuals could not hold certain significant public offices, such as a senator or a high-ranking judge, until they were 25 years old. Before this age, even if they were 18 or older and considered adults for other matters, they were still deemed to lack the full legal capacity or maturity required for these specific roles. Explanation: Here, "minor quam 25 annis" describes the legal status of individuals who, despite being adults by some measures, were historically barred from specific civic responsibilities until they reached 25, reflecting a societal belief about the requisite age for such duties.
• Example 3: Specific Insurance Policy Eligibility
  An insurance company offers a specialized, high-value life insurance policy with a clause stating that the policyholder must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for certain premium discounts or specific coverage riders without requiring a co-signer. A 22-year-old applicant, despite being a legal adult, would not qualify for these specific benefits. Explanation: The 22-year-old applicant is "minor quam 25 annis" according to the insurance policy's terms. This demonstrates how private contracts or institutional policies can set age thresholds higher than the general age of majority for particular benefits or conditions, often based on actuarial data or perceived risk.