Minor

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Minor


Minor


What is the dictionary definition of Minor?

Dictionary Definition


n. someone under legal age, which is generally 18, except for certain purposes such as drinking alcoholic beverages in the US.


Full Definition of Minor


In English law, a minor is any person under the age of 18. On the whole, the legal rights and obligations of minors are the same for minors as for adults.

The following are some of the important differences.

  • Minors cannot vote in elections.
  • A child under 10 years of age has no liability under criminal law.
  • No person under 17 years of age can be sent to prison, although there is a custodial alternative.
  • In many cases, a minor cannot be held to be in breach of contract (see: Contract).
  • A minor cannot own land.
  • In civil cases involving minors, a responsible adult must be appointed as guardian ad litem (see: Guardian ad litem).
  • A minor cannot make a valid will (see: Who can make a will?)
  • A minor cannot hold property from the estate of a deceased person, and will generally become the Beneficial owner of a Trust in such circumstances.
  • There are restrictions on the right to operate motor vehicles.
  • On the whole, minors may not consume alcohol on licensed premises.
  • A person of 16-17 years of age may marry, but there are some restrictions

Cite Term


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://payrollheaven.com/define/minor/
Modern Language Association (MLA):
Minor. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
March 29, 2024 https://payrollheaven.com/define/minor/.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):
Minor. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
https://payrollheaven.com/define/minor/ (accessed: March 29, 2024).
American Psychological Association (APA):
Minor. PayrollHeaven.com. Retrieved March 29, 2024
, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/minor/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Minor are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 28th April, 2020 | 0 Views.