Changes

The '''age of majority''' is a legal and moral principle, and it establishes an age at which a person is capable of giving informed consent for legal contracts with other individuals.  The age of majority varies depending on jurisdiction.   

The '''age of majority''' is a legal and moral principle, and it establishes an age at which a person is capable of giving informed consent for legal contracts with other individuals.  The age of majority varies depending on jurisdiction.   

Not being competent to make moral choices absolves minors from (adult) guilt if they commit certain crimes. Either their parents will be held responsible, as in case of theft or vandalism, or the child will simply be considered "too young to know better".  

Not being competent to make moral choices usually absolves minors from (adult) guilt if they commit certain crimes. Either their parents will be held responsible, as in case of theft or vandalism, or the child will simply be considered "too young to know better". However, some jurisdictions have an age of criminal responsibility below majority.  

Children typically cannot enter into binding contracts, are not permitted to drive cars on public roads, join the armed forces or get married. In the [[United States of America]], however, a parent may permit their 17-year-old child to join the armed forces. Various states in the U.S. differ as to what age a minor must be before their parents can permit them to marry.  

Children typically cannot enter into binding contracts, are not permitted to drive cars on public roads, join the armed forces or get married. In the [[United States of America]], however, a parent may permit their 17-year-old child to join the armed forces. Various states in the U.S. differ as to what age a minor must be before their parents can permit them to marry.