Adult

Definition

An adult is an individual who has reached the age of majority, the legally defined age at which a person is no longer considered a minor and is granted full legal rights and responsibilities. This age varies by jurisdiction and typically ranges from 18 to 21 years.

Examples

Legal Contracts: Once a person reaches the age of majority, they can enter into legally binding contracts on their own behalf.
Voting Rights: In many countries, individuals gain the right to vote in elections upon reaching adulthood.
Military Service: Adults may be eligible for compulsory or voluntary military service, depending on the country’s regulations.
Alcohol Consumption: In the United States, individuals are legally permitted to purchase and consume alcohol at the age of 21, which is considered a standard for adulthood in this context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the age of majority in the United States?

The age of majority in most U.S. states is 18 years old. However, certain rights and responsibilities, such as the legal drinking age, vary and may be set at 21.

Can an individual be considered an adult before reaching the age of majority?

In specific circumstances, such as legal emancipation or being tried as an adult for certain crimes, individuals under the age of majority might be treated as adults.

How does attaining the age of majority affect parental control?

Once an individual reaches the age of majority, they are legally recognized as independent, and parental control and responsibilities typically cease.

Are there any exceptions to the age of majority?

Yes, certain jurisdictions may set different ages of majority for specific activities, such as driving, voting, or marriage, which may require parental consent if under the set age limit.

Does the age of majority differ internationally?

Yes, the age of majority varies between countries, ranging typically from 18 to 21 years.

Age of Majority: The threshold age at which an individual legally transitions from a minor to an adult.
Minor: An individual who has not yet reached the age of majority and is not legally considered an adult.
Emancipation: A legal process that grants a minor independence from parental control prior to reaching the age of majority.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Becoming Adult: How Teenagers Prepare for the World of Work” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Barbara Schneider
“Adult Development and Aging” by John C. Cavanaugh and Fredda Blanchard-Fields
“The Making of an Adult” by Frank W. Elwell

Fundamentals of Adulthood: Legal Studies Basics Quiz

### What is the age called when a person is legally recognized as an adult? - [ ] Age of Consent - [ ] Age of Reason - [x] Age of Majority - [ ] Age of Maturity > **Explanation:** The age at which a person is legally recognized as an adult is called the age of majority. ### In most U.S. states, what is the age of majority? - [ ] 16 - [x] 18 - [ ] 21 - [ ] 25 > **Explanation:** In most U.S. states, the age of majority is set at 18 years old. ### What important legal right is generally granted at the age of majority? - [ ] The right to drive - [ ] The right to marry - [ ] The right to rent a car - [x] The right to enter into contracts > **Explanation:** Upon reaching the age of majority, an individual is legally capable of entering into binding contracts on their own behalf. ### Which legal process allows a minor to gain adult status before reaching the age of majority? - [ ] Consent - [x] Emancipation - [ ] Adoption - [ ] Ratification > **Explanation:** Emancipation is a legal process that allows a minor to gain adult status and responsibilities before reaching the age of majority. ### How does becoming an adult affect parental control? - [ ] Parental control increases - [x] Parental control ceases - [ ] Parental control remains unchanged - [ ] Parental control fluctuates > **Explanation:** Once an individual reaches the age of majority, parental control and responsibilities typically cease as the individual is legally recognized as independent. ### Can the age of majority differ between activities such as voting and drinking? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** The age of majority can differ between activities; for example, the legal drinking age in the U.S. is set at 21, whereas the voting age is 18. ### What term is used for individuals who have not reached the age of majority? - [ ] Juvenile - [ ] Youth - [x] Minor - [ ] Adolescent > **Explanation:** Individuals who have not reached the age of majority are referred to as minors. ### In which circumstance might a minor be treated as an adult? - [ ] At age 16 - [x] When tried for certain crimes - [ ] When graduating high school - [ ] When employed full-time > **Explanation:** A minor might be treated as an adult when tried for certain serious crimes, depending on the jurisdiction. ### What does it mean to reach the age of majority internationally? - [x] It can vary by country - [ ] It is the same in all countries - [ ] It is not recognized internationally - [ ] It requires international approval > **Explanation:** The age of majority varies between countries, with different legal definitions and age thresholds. ### What must a person generally do to gain military eligibility in many countries? - [ ] Live independently - [x] Reach the age of majority - [ ] Register to vote - [ ] Have a full-time job > **Explanation:** Many countries grant military eligibility to individuals who have reached the age of majority.

Thank you for exploring the legal concept of adulthood with us and testing your knowledge with our detailed quiz questions. Stay curious and continue learning!