Juveniles are minors. The age at which a minor legally becomes an adult is set state by state law. The far majority of states set this age at 18, though in a few states it is 19; and in Mississippi and Washington, D.C. it is 21. At the age of majority you can enter into contracts, and be held responsible for your debts and crimes. Most states have laws that allow them to try a minor in adult court for certain crimes, if the minor is at least a certain age, usually 16.

(Reviewed 12-08)