Who is considered a minor in legal terms?

In legal terms, a minor is typically defined as an individual who has not yet reached the age of majority. In most jurisdictions, including Arkansas, this age is established as 18 years old. The significance of this classification is that individuals who are considered minors have certain legal protections and limitations, particularly in areas such as contracts, liability, and criminal responsibility.

For instance, minors may be unable to enter into enforceable contracts without consent from a parent or guardian, and they might be treated differently under criminal law. This distinction reflects society's recognition that individuals under 18 may not have the capacity to make fully informed decisions similar to those who have reached adulthood.

While options that refer to younger age thresholds, such as under 16 or under 21, may recognize different contexts regarding maturity or legal responsibilities, the established legal definition of a minor is based on the age of 18. Hence, this makes the identification of someone under 18 as a minor the correct understanding in legal discussions. The choice regarding employment status has no bearing on the legal definition of a minor, further supporting the relevance of age in this context.