Which age range is included in the definition of a juvenile delinquent?

Which age range is included in the definition of a juvenile delinquent?

• A. At least 7 and less than 16
• B. Under 7
• C. 16 to 18
• D. 18 and older

Answer: (A)

Juvenile delinquent describes a young person who has engaged in conduct that would be illegal if done by an adult, and this definition uses a specific age range: seven up to, but not including, sixteen. The lower limit reflects the age at which many jurisdictions start recognizing criminal responsibility; the upper limit marks the point where individuals are typically treated as adults in the justice system. So someone who is at least seven years old but younger than sixteen fits the juvenile delinquent category. Children under seven aren’t typically charged as delinquents, and those sixteen or older are generally handled outside the juvenile delinquent framework.

Juvenile delinquent describes a young person who has engaged in conduct that would be illegal if done by an adult, and this definition uses a specific age range: seven up to, but not including, sixteen. The lower limit reflects the age at which many jurisdictions start recognizing criminal responsibility; the upper limit marks the point where individuals are typically treated as adults in the justice system. So someone who is at least seven years old but younger than sixteen fits the juvenile delinquent category. Children under seven aren’t typically charged as delinquents, and those sixteen or older are generally handled outside the juvenile delinquent framework.