Legal Definitions - lawful age

Definition: Lawful age refers to the age at which a person is legally capable of certain actions or decisions, as defined by statute. This can include the age of capacity, age of consent, age of criminal responsibility, age of majority, and age of reason.

• Age of capacity: The age, usually 18, at which a person is legally capable of agreeing to a contract, maintaining a lawsuit, or making other important decisions. For example, a 17-year-old cannot sign a lease agreement without a co-signer because they have not yet reached the age of capacity.
• Age of consent: The age, usually 16, at which a person is legally capable of agreeing to sexual activity or marriage without parental consent. For example, if a 20-year-old has sex with a 15-year-old, they can be charged with statutory rape because the younger person is below the age of consent.
• Age of criminal responsibility: The age at which a child can be held responsible for a criminal act, which varies by state. For example, in North Dakota, a child as young as 7 can be held responsible for some acts as a juvenile.
• Age of majority: The age, usually 18, at which a person attains full legal rights, including civil and political rights such as the right to vote. For example, a 17-year-old cannot vote in a national election because they have not yet reached the age of majority.
• Age of reason: The age at which a person becomes legally capable of committing a crime or tort, which varies by jurisdiction. For example, in some states, a child under the age of 14 is conclusively presumed not to have committed a crime or tort.

These examples illustrate how the concept of lawful age is used to determine a person's legal capacity for certain actions or decisions. It is important to understand the specific age requirements in your state or jurisdiction to avoid legal consequences.