In most countries the age of majority is 18, but in the United States it is different. 18? twenty-one? How old is the age of majority in the USA?
Why is the age of majority in the USA different from the rest of most countries?
Unlike other countries, the age of majority is not established at the federal level in the American Union, but each one of the states establishes it. That is why it is different from one place to another, even within the country. On the other hand, the age of majority also varies in certain cases or situations.
What is the age of majority in each state?
In 47 states and the District of Columbia, the age of majority is 18 years. On the other hand, in two states – Alabama and Nebraska – reached at 19 and only in one state – Mississippi – The age of majority is set at 21.
It is worth mentioning that all American citizens over 18 years old can vote in federal elections, as established by the Constitution.
Although the age of majority is 18 in most states, under certain circumstances, those under 18 years of age can act with some independence when it comes to judicial emancipation, marriage or enlisting in the Army.
In legal matters, age is also considered an important factor such as when a crime is committedalthough as a general rule, in all states it is established that no person over 18 years of age can be tried as a juvenile.
Also, some states set a lower age at which a person is tried as an adult. In Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Texas and Wisconsin that age is 16 years. In the rest of the states, the minimum age to be tried as an adult in criminal court is 17 years.
What can not be done until 21 years of age?
On the other hand, although the age of majority is reached in most states at 18, the legal age to buy alcoholic beverages is 21 years old.
In the case of the purchase of weapons, according to federal laws, those under the age of 21 cannot buy guns from any dealer; but they can buy them from the age of 18 with a private person, as well as buy rifles and shotguns from a dealer from the age of 18. However, the purchase of weapons is an issue that is also regulated at the state level.
For example, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Wyoming and Washington DC impose a minimum of 21 years to buy and own guns.