Minors, in the context of legal terminology, refer to individuals who have not reached the age of majority. The age of majority can vary from one jurisdiction to another but is typically 18 years old. Minors are deemed to lack the legal capacity or ability to fully exercise their rights and obligations, as they are considered to be immature or not fully developed in terms of judgment, decision-making, and understanding the consequences of their actions. Consequently, minors are generally subject to additional legal protections and restrictions compared to adults.
The legal framework surrounding minors encompasses a wide range of aspects, including age of consent for various activities, contractual capacity, and criminal responsibility. For instance, minors are generally restricted from entering into certain types of contracts without parental or guardian consent. Similarly, criminal offenses committed by minors are typically handled by juvenile justice systems, which are designed to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Moreover, minors may require parental consent for medical treatment, education decisions, and travel arrangements. This legal recognition of their limited capacity for decision-making aims to ensure the well-being and best interests of minors, protecting them from potential harm or exploitation.
In summary, minors are individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority and are therefore subject to specific legal regulations, protections, and restrictions to safeguard their well-being and development.
