In the criminal context, a person under the age of 18 years is called what?

In the criminal context, a person under the age of 18 years is called what?

• A. Minor
• B. Juvenile
• C. Adolescent
• D. Youth

Answer: (A)

In criminal law, the label used for someone under 18 is minor. The age of majority is 18 in most jurisdictions, so anyone younger is categorized as a minor and is typically subject to juvenile court procedures rather than adult criminal court. The term juvenile often refers to the court system or to young people within that system, rather than serving as the direct legal label for the person. Adolescent and youth describe developmental stages or broad groups, not specific legal status. So minor is the precise term that identifies someone under 18 in criminal contexts.

In criminal law, the label used for someone under 18 is minor. The age of majority is 18 in most jurisdictions, so anyone younger is categorized as a minor and is typically subject to juvenile court procedures rather than adult criminal court. The term juvenile often refers to the court system or to young people within that system, rather than serving as the direct legal label for the person. Adolescent and youth describe developmental stages or broad groups, not specific legal status. So minor is the precise term that identifies someone under 18 in criminal contexts.