e220449 Edoardo Bruna 19/03/2023

Week #9
As a 19-year-old law student, I have been reflecting on the legal distinctions between
a 17-year-old minor and an 18-year-old adult. This transition from being a child to an adult
can be a significant milestone in a young person's life, both legally and socially. In this
reflection, I will explore some of the legal implications of this transition, both in terms of the
rights and responsibilities that come with it.

The legal distinctions between minors and adults are significant and wide-ranging. In
most jurisdictions, minors are considered to be persons who have not yet reached the age of
majority, which is typically 18 years old. Minors are subject to different laws, rules, and
regulations than adults, which can have significant legal implications.

For example, minors may be subject to curfews and restrictions on driving and may be
required to attend school. They may also face legal consequences for specific actions, such as
criminal offences. This is because the law recognises that minors still need to develop
emotionally, intellectually, or socially fully and may have different maturity and decision-
making abilities than adults.

Once a person reaches the age of majority, they are considered an adult and are
granted certain legal rights and responsibilities. These include the right to vote, the ability to
enter into contracts, and the ability to serve on a jury. Adults are also subject to different laws,
rules, and regulations than minors, which can have significant legal implications.

One of the most significant legal distinctions between minors and adults is the ability
to enter into contracts. Juveniles are generally not allowed to enter into contracts without the
consent of a parent or guardian. Children may need to fully understand the legal
consequences of entering into a contract and may have different bargaining power than
adults. Once a person reaches the age of majority, they can enter into contracts without
needing a parent or guardian to co-sign.

Another important legal distinction between minors and adults is the ability to vote.
The right to vote is a fundamental right in a democratic society, and the law recognises that
adults have the maturity and decision-making abilities necessary to exercise this right. Once a
person reaches the age of 18, they are eligible to vote in most jurisdictions.

As an adult, a person is also responsible for their actions and can be held accountable
for any legal violations they may commit. This responsibility requires adults to be more aware
of the legal implications of their actions and to take steps to ensure that they comply with the
law. This can include everything from obeying traffic laws while driving to paying taxes and
following labour laws in the workplace.

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e220449 Edoardo Bruna 19/03/2023

The legal implications of transitioning from a minor to an adult can also be seen in
criminal law. Juvenile justice systems are designed to consider the unique needs and
circumstances of children who have committed offences. This can include programs aimed at
rehabilitation and education rather than punishment. Once a person reaches the age of
majority, they are subject to the same criminal laws and penalties as any other adult.

As a 19-year-old law student, I am now considered an adult in the eyes of the law. This
transition had given me access to certain legal rights and responsibilities that were unavailable
to me when I was a minor. For example, I am now eligible to vote and can enter into contracts
without needing a parent or guardian to co-sign.
At the same time, this transition has also brought with it a new set of legal responsibilities.
As an adult, I am now responsible for my actions and can be held accountable for any
legal violations I may commit. This responsibility requires me to be more aware of the legal
implications of my actions and to take steps to ensure that I comply with the law.

As a law student, I am particularly interested in the legal implications of this transition

from a theoretical perspective. I have learned that the law recognises that minors are not yet
fully developed and may not have the same maturity or decision-making abilities as adults.
This recognition has created a separate legal system for children called juvenile justice.

Juvenile justice systems are designed to consider the unique needs and circumstances
of minors who have committed offences. This system recognises that minors may be more
responsive to rehabilitation and education than punishment. This approach is based on the
belief that children who commit crimes can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society as
productive members.

However, this approach has been criticised for being too lenient on minors who
commit serious offences. Critics argue that this approach fails to hold juveniles accountable
for their actions and does not adequately protect society from repeat offenders. This criticism
has led to a movement in some jurisdictions to try children as adults in some instances.
The decision to try minors as adults are not taken lightly and are usually reserved for
cases where the offence is particularly serious or violent. When children are tried as adults,
they are subject to the same criminal laws and penalties as any other adult. This means they
can face lengthy prison sentences and, in some cases, even the death penalty.

As a law student, I am fascinated by the legal and ethical implications of trying minors
as adults. On the one hand, there is a compelling argument to be made that children who
commit serious offences should be held accountable for their actions and that the juvenile
justice system may not be sufficient to ensure that justice is served.

On the other hand, there is also a risk that trying minors as adults may result in
disproportionately harsh sentences that do not consider minors' unique needs and
circumstances. There is also a risk that children who are tried as adults may be more likely to
re-offend or become entrenched in criminal behaviour due to harsh punishment.

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The legal distinctions between a 17-year-old minor and an 18-year-old adult are
significant and wide-ranging. This transition can be an essential milestone in a young person's
life, both legally and socially. As a 19-year-old law student, I am excited to continue exploring
these legal distinctions and their implications for our society. I believe that a better
understanding of these legal distinctions can help us create a more just and equitable society
that recognises the unique needs and circumstances of minors while also holding them
accountable for their actions.