Should the Legal Adult Age Be Raised?
Short answer
The legal adult age is typically 18 in the US, marking when individuals gain full legal rights and responsibilities. Raising this age means delaying those rights, which affects voting, contracts, and criminal accountability. Whether to raise it involves balancing maturity, legal fairness, and social impacts on youth and society.
What Does the Legal Adult Age Mean in Simple Terms?
The legal adult age, often called the "age of majority," is the age when a person is recognized by law as an adult. This means they can make their own decisions without parental permission, sign contracts, vote, join the military, and be tried fully as an adult in court. In the US, this age is usually 18. At this point, a young person can, for example, rent an apartment or get a credit card independently. Being an adult also means being responsible for your actions under the law, including criminal penalties. The age of majority marks the end of childhood in legal terms and the start of full civic participation and personal responsibility.
How Would Raising the Legal Adult Age Work?
If the legal adult age was raised from 18 to, say, 21, it would delay when young people can exercise adult rights and responsibilities. For example, if a 19-year-old wants to enter into a lease or vote, they might be unable to do so legally until turning 21. This could mean parents or guardians retain legal responsibilities longer, or the state steps in for certain decisions. Criminal justice systems might treat offenders under the new adult age as juveniles, potentially affecting sentencing. This change would require updating laws that currently use 18 as the threshold, including driver’s licenses, military enlistment, and alcohol laws. The change would affect individuals differently depending on the law and state, as some rights vary by location.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Raising the legal adult age matters because it changes when you or your children gain independence and legal control over your life. It affects voting rights, financial decisions, medical consent, and how the law treats you in criminal cases. For parents, it changes how long they are legally responsible for their child. For employers and institutions, it affects who they consider an adult for contracts and services. Also, it influences social policies, education, and youth programs. Understanding the legal adult age helps you plan for milestones like college, work, or military service and know your rights and responsibilities at each stage.
What Other Ages or Terms Are Often Confused with Legal Adult Age?
People sometimes confuse the legal adult age with these related terms:
- Age of consent: The age when a person can legally agree to sexual activity, which varies by state and can be different from 18.
- Drinking age: Usually 21 in the US, a separate legal threshold for purchasing or consuming alcohol.
- Voting age: Set at 18, allowing citizens to vote in federal and most state elections.
- Driving age: Varies by state, often lower than 18, allowing teens to drive with restrictions.
- Age of emancipation: When a minor becomes legally independent from parents before the age of majority.
Each of these ages serves a distinct legal purpose and may not move in sync if the age of majority changes. Knowing these differences avoids confusion about what rights or responsibilities apply at what age.
What Are the Arguments for Raising the Legal Adult Age?
Supporters argue raising the adult age could better protect young people who may lack maturity for full adult responsibility. They point to brain development continuing into the mid-20s, suggesting youth might benefit from additional guidance and protections. It could reduce young adult crime rates or improve public health by limiting access to alcohol or risky decisions. Delaying adult status might also help with education outcomes and financial stability by postponing full legal independence until more life experience is gained. Some say it aligns better with other legal ages, like the drinking age, to reduce confusion.
What Are the Arguments Against Raising the Legal Adult Age?
Opponents say 18 is a long-established age where individuals take on adult roles like voting or military service, so raising it would unfairly restrict rights. It could limit youth participation in democracy and civic duties. Critics argue that maturity varies widely, and setting an arbitrary higher age could deny capable young adults their freedoms. Raising the age might complicate legal systems and increase dependency on parents or the state. It could also delay young adults’ ability to learn responsibility through real-world experiences. Additionally, many existing laws and social institutions are designed around 18 as the adult age, so changing it would be complex and costly.
What Should You Do Next If This Topic Interests You?
If you want to understand more or form your own opinion, start by reviewing current laws in your state about the legal adult age and related ages like voting or drinking. Consider how these laws affect you or young people you know. Look at both pros and cons of raising the age to 21 or another number by reading balanced articles or discussions. Discuss the topic with family, educators, or civic groups to hear different perspectives. Also, explore related legal concepts like emancipation or juvenile law to see how they interact with the adult age. For deeper legal questions or how it applies personally, consult legal aid resources or a qualified attorney.
For more detailed background, check out articles explaining why 18 is the legal adult age and exploring arguments for and against raising it, such as Why Is 18 the Legal Adult Age? and Should the Age of Majority Be Raised to 21? Pros and Cons.
Frequently asked questions
What does becoming a legal adult at 18 allow me to do?
At 18, you can vote, join the military without parental consent, sign contracts, get married without permission, and be legally responsible for your actions, including criminal charges. You also gain control over personal medical decisions and financial matters.
How does the legal adult age differ from the drinking age?
The legal adult age is generally 18 and grants full legal rights, while the drinking age is typically 21, restricting alcohol purchase and consumption. These ages serve different legal purposes and are set separately by law.
Can the legal adult age vary by state?
Most states set 18 as the age of majority, but some legal rights or restrictions may vary. For example, certain contracts or licenses might have different age requirements. Always check local laws for specific rules.
What happens if the legal adult age is raised?
Raising the age would delay when individuals gain full legal rights and responsibilities, affecting voting, contract signing, criminal court treatment, and more. It may also extend parental or state responsibility for those individuals.
How does the legal adult age affect criminal responsibility?
Once someone reaches the legal adult age, they are usually tried as adults in criminal court, facing adult penalties. If the age is raised, some offenders might be treated as juveniles longer, affecting sentencing and rehabilitation options.