Minor

From the Latin Latin: minor (smaller, lesser).

In one sentence

A person who has not reached the legal age of adulthood, usually 18.

Plain English

A minor is someone who hasn't yet reached the age of legal adulthood in their jurisdiction—typically 18 in the United States. Minors have limited legal rights and responsibilities because the law assumes they lack the maturity to make certain decisions. They generally cannot enter binding contracts, and if they do, they can cancel those contracts later. Parents or guardians make legal decisions on behalf of minors.

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Example

A 15-year-old buys a laptop on credit from an electronics store. Because she's a minor, she can return it and cancel the credit agreement even after a month of use. The store cannot force her to pay because minors lack the legal capacity to bind themselves to contracts.

Used in a sentence

“The contract was voidable because one of the parties was a minor at the time of signing.”

Related terms

Capacity

The legal and mental ability to enter into a binding contract.

Voidable Contract

A contract that one party can cancel or reject, but is otherwise valid.

Mental Incapacity

Lacking the mental ability to understand a contract's nature, terms, or consequences.

Contract Formation

The process by which parties create a legally binding agreement.

competency hearing

A court proceeding to determine whether a defendant can understand trial and assist in their own defense.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.