Status Offender
/ˈsteɪtəs əˌfɛndər/
Definitions
- (n.) A juvenile who has committed an offense that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult, such as truancy or running away from home.
The court intervened because the individual was classified as a status offender, not a delinquent.
Forms
- status offender
- status offenders
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term specifically applies to minors and offenses defined by their status (age) rather than criminal conduct; this distinction affects jurisdiction and treatment in juvenile justice.
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.