Who is classified as a juvenile in legal terms?

In legal terms, a juvenile is defined as a person who is less than 18 years of age. This classification is crucial in the context of the juvenile justice system, where individuals under this age are treated differently from adults. The rationale behind this distinction is that minors are generally considered to be less mature and more susceptible to influences than adults, which affects their culpability and the appropriate legal responses to their behavior.

This definition is consistent across many legal frameworks, as it seeks to provide protection and rehabilitative opportunities for younger individuals rather than punitive measures typically reserved for adults. Understanding this classification is essential for those involved in law enforcement, legal studies, and social services, as it underpins various laws and regulations that are designed to address the needs and rights of young people.