Adverse Childhood Experiences
/ædˈvɜːrs ˈtʃaɪldˌhʊd ɪkˈspɪəriənsɪz/
Definitions
- (n.) Potentially traumatic events occurring in childhood that can have negative, lasting effects on health and legal considerations, especially in family, criminal, and social welfare law.
The court considered the defendant's adverse childhood experiences during sentencing to understand potential mitigating factors.
Forms
- adverse childhood experiences
- adverse childhood experience(s)
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used primarily in contexts involving family law, social services, and criminal mitigation; understanding ACEs can affect legal outcomes and advocacy strategies.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.