Juvenile / Minor
As Nouns
Juvenile and minor, as nouns, are legal terms for a young person, usually under 18 years old. In other words, a child, a teenager, a kid, not an adult.
In some contexts, you may see the terms juveniles and minors used interchangeably – – that is, both having the same meaning so it will not matter which word you use. However, there are contexts in which juvenile will be preferred over minor and vice versa.
For example, a juvenile detention center is where young people convicted of a crime might be held – – you would not say “minor detention center”.
Also, a young person not old enough legally to engage in a certain activity – – such as drinking or sexual relations will usually be called a minor, not a juvenile.
juvenile is used more in talking about criminal law and systems or institutions or processes for non-adults.
As Adjectives
Juvenile as an adjective can refer to something concerned suitable for a young person both in the legal context or in plain language.
For example:
-
- Juvenile court
- Juvenile detention
- Juvenile justice system
- Juvenile books
Juvenile can also have a negative plain meaning, when it refers to something overly childish.
Minor, as an adjective, in plain meaning refers to something that is small or unimportant.
Hear Juvenile on YouGlish
Sample Sentences
- Because the defendant was young, the detective read to him a juvenile version of the Miranda warnings containing additional simple language explaining the defendant’s right to remain silent.
- The family court entered an order adjudicating the youth as a juvenile delinquent.
- The victim was a minor so his identity will not be disclosed publicly.
- He committed the crime when he was 12 so he was charged as a juvenile.