What age range defines a juvenile in most legal contexts?

In most legal contexts, a juvenile is defined as an individual under the age of 18. This definition is significant because it establishes the age at which a person is considered a minor and thus afforded certain legal protections and differential treatment under the law. The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than punish, reflecting the understanding that young people may not yet have the same capacity for judgment and understanding of consequences as adults.

Furthermore, many legal statutes, such as those relating to criminal responsibility, family law, and education, commonly utilize this age threshold. It is a standard that facilitates consistency across various legal interpretations and practices regarding young individuals. In contrast, other age ranges mentioned, such as under 16, under 21, and under 25, do not have the same widespread application or consensus within legal contexts, making them less relevant for defining juvenile status. Thus, the age of 18 remains the established benchmark for legal matters involving minors.