The age of majority is the age when a person becomes an adult by law. This means that they are legally in control over their own actions and decisions, and their parents are no longer responsible for them. When used this way, the word majority means having the full number of years to be an adult. The opposite is minority, which means being a minor or child. The law in a given place may never actually use the words "age of majority" when deciding when people become adults. The age of majority is a legally fixed age and idea of adulthood which is different in different places. It may not match the actual maturity of a person's body or mind. The age of majority is 18 in the vast majority of jurisdictions, but ages as low as 15 and as high as 21 exist in some.
Age of majority
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the age of majority?
A: The age of majority is the legal age at which a person becomes an adult by law and is legally in control over their own actions and decisions.
Q: What does the word "majority" mean in this context?
A: In this context, majority means having the full number of years to be an adult.
Q: What is the opposite of majority?
A: The opposite of majority is minority, which means being a minor or child.
Q: Does every jurisdiction use the words "age of majority"?
A: No, not every jurisdiction uses the words "age of majority" when deciding when people become adults.
Q: How does the age of majority differ from place to place?
A: The age of majority is a legally fixed age and idea of adulthood which can vary from place to place. It may not match up with a person's actual maturity level either physically or mentally.
Q: What is usually considered to be the standard age for becoming an adult by law?
A: The standard age for becoming an adult by law is usually 18 in most jurisdictions, but some places have ages as low as 15 and as high as 21.