Legal Definitions - si minor se majorem dixerit

si minor se majorem dixerit

When a minor claims to be an adult, this Latin phrase can be used as a defense in a lawsuit where the minor is seeking restitution for their time as a minor.

• A 17-year-old tries to buy alcohol and tells the cashier they are 21. If caught, the minor cannot use si minor se majorem dixerit as a defense because they were not seeking restitution for their time as a minor.
• A 16-year-old sues their parents for control of their inheritance, claiming they are an adult. The parents can use si minor se majorem dixerit as a defense because the minor was seeking restitution for their time as a minor.

The examples illustrate that the defense of si minor se majorem dixerit can only be used in a lawsuit where the minor is seeking restitution for their time as a minor. It cannot be used as a defense for other actions, such as lying about age to purchase alcohol.