Nonage refers to being below the age of 18, commonly known as minority. It can also denote a phase in life when an individual has not yet reached full maturity or adulthood.
Nonage is the state of being a minor or not yet reaching legal adulthood. It can also describe a period of immaturity or limited experience. For instance, a 17-year-old who cannot vote or purchase cigarettes is still in their nonage. Similarly, someone who is criticized for their lack of experience in a particular field is said to be in their nonage. These examples demonstrate how nonage can refer to both a person’s age and their level of experience. In the first example, nonage pertains to not yet being legally considered an adult. In the second example, nonage refers to the individual’s insufficient experience, which is also a form of nonage.
Nonage refers to the state of being under the legal age of majority, which varies depending on the jurisdiction but is typically 18 years old.
Individuals in nonage have limited legal rights and responsibilities compared to adults. They may not be able to enter into contracts, vote, or engage in certain activities without parental or guardian consent.
While individuals in nonage may be held accountable for their actions, the extent of their legal responsibility may be different from that of adults. The legal system often takes into account their age and capacity to understand the consequences of their actions.
In many jurisdictions, individuals in nonage can consent to certain medical treatments, especially those related to reproductive health or mental health. However, the specific laws regarding medical consent for minors vary by jurisdiction.
In some jurisdictions, individuals in nonage can get married with parental or guardian consent. However, many countries have set a minimum age for marriage to protect minors from forced or early marriages.
Laws regarding employment of individuals in nonage vary by jurisdiction. Some countries have specific regulations that allow minors to work under certain conditions, such as limited working hours or types of jobs.
Emancipation is a legal process that allows individuals in nonage to become legally independent from their parents or guardians. However, the requirements and procedures for emancipation differ by jurisdiction.
In some cases, individuals in nonage who commit serious crimes may be tried as adults, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense. However, many countries have separate juvenile justice systems that handle cases involving minors.
Laws regarding access to medical records by individuals in nonage vary by jurisdiction. In some cases, minors may have the right to access their own medical records, especially if they are deemed mature enough to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
The ability to change one’s legal name while in nonage depends on the laws of the jurisdiction. Some countries allow minors to change their name with parental or guardian consent, while others may require a court order.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/nonage/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Nonage. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/nonage/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Nonage. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/nonage/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Nonage. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/nonage/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts