Minor Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Minor, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Minor?

(n) A minor is the person who has not attained the age fixed for entering in to a legal contract or for making himself legally liable for his actions. The age of majority is generally accepted as 18 years except for certain specific instances like marriage, consumption of alcohol etc

History and Meaning of Minor

A minor is a person who has not yet reached the age of legal majority, which is 18 in most cases. Minors are generally not considered to be legally responsible for their actions in the same way as adults, as they may not have the same level of understanding or decision-making abilities. The concept of the "age of majority" has evolved over time and varies by jurisdiction, with some countries setting it at 21 or even 16 in certain situations.

Examples of Minor

  1. A 16-year-old who is caught shoplifting may be treated differently by the criminal justice system than an adult who committed the same crime.
  2. A minor may not be allowed to sign a rental agreement or lease without a parent or guardian co-signing, as they are not of legal age to enter into a contract.
  3. A child who is still a minor at the time of their parent's death may inherit from their estate differently than an adult child would.

Legal Terms Similar to Minor

  1. Age of majority: The age at which a person is considered to be an adult in the eyes of the law.
  2. Infant: Another term for a minor or someone who has not yet reached the age of legal majority.
  3. Emancipation: The process by which a minor is legally declared to be self-sufficient and independent of their parents or guardians.