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For example, if a country's age of majority is 18, but the legal drinking age is 21, then an 18–20 year old would still be considered a "minor" in situations involving buying or consuming alcohol. Another example is the age to consent to sexual activity , which in most countries is under the age of majority.
The age of majority in England is 18, having been reduced from 21 by the Family Law Reform Act 1969.At that age persons are considered to acquire capacity in full to enter into legally binding contracts (thus to hold a credit card and take out a loan), to vote in elections, to buy tobacco and cigarettes and have a tattoo.
Legal age or codified age refers to age at which a person may legally engage in a certain activity, or purchase or possess a certain product or substance. Most frequently, this is the age of majority (also known as the "age of maturity"), the threshold of adulthood as recognized in law. [citation needed] Other ages of legal significance include:
The age of majority ranges internationally from ages 15 to 21, with 18 being the most common age. Nigeria, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon define adulthood at age 15, but marriage of girls at an earlier age is common. [23] In most of the world, the legal adult age is 18 for most purposes, with some notable exceptions:
The government of Japan lowered the age of majority to 18, which came into effect in 2021. [15] Coming-of-age ceremonies, known as seijin shiki, are held on the second Monday of January. At the ceremony, all of the men and women participating are brought to a government building and listen to many speakers, similar to a graduation ceremony.
The concept of adulthood has legal and socio-cultural definitions. The legal definition [4] of an adult is a person who is fully grown or developed. This is referred to as the age of majority, which is age 18 in most cultures, although there is a variation from 15 to 21. The typical perception of adulthood is that it starts at age 20 or 21.
In most states, the age of majority is upon reaching 18 years of age. The exceptions are Alabama and Nebraska , where the age of majority is 19, and Mississippi and Puerto Rico , where it is 21. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] Depending on state laws, minors may be able to obtain medical treatment, marry, or exercise other rights (such as driving, voting ...
The Court struck down the provisions that established 18 as the voting age in state and local elections. However, the Court upheld the provision establishing the voting age as 18 in federal elections. The Court was deeply divided in this case, and a majority of justices did not agree on a rationale for the holding. [21] [22]