Status Offense
/ˈsteɪtəs ˈɒfɛns/
Definitions
- (n.) An act prohibited to certain persons, typically minors, that would not be illegal if committed by adults, such as truancy or curfew violations.
The juvenile was charged with a status offense for skipping school repeatedly.
Forms
- status offenses
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Status offenses are unique to juvenile law, reflecting conduct deemed unlawful solely due to the offender's age rather than the act's inherent illegality.
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.