why is 18 yrs considered to be an age after which one is considered mature and independent and capable legally
87992
Only my opinion, yet I believe it should be 21.
461517
I don't think adult is a matter of age but a matter of maturity.  I also think that the transition to adulthood is slow (and painful) so there is no one point where you can say "I am now an adult".
1019689
In Canada, it WAS lowered to 14, the Government is looking to raise it back up again.  There are statutes that allow for 'within a certain number of years'  (for eg, a 15 year old with a 16 year old) \nI think it should be around 16, with 18 being the regular adulthood age.  I think it's silly that in the USA an 18 year old can join the military and potentially kill someone, but can't have a drink legally... now THAT is a weird one.
986935
Legally you can leave home at 18 since you are legally independent. I stress the legally, because unless you have a job or some other means of income, you are still totally dependent on your parents.
1124799
18 unless you have permission
906209
There are different def. of age in different laws.  For example, in Texas, anyone 17 years old is an adult for normal crimes.  However, the Family code defines a juv is anyone under 18.  So does the education and government code.  The Health and  Safety code defines a minor as anyone under 21 (that's the one that deals with alcohol.) \nLike it was said before, each state and federal law is different.
267964
The ideal age is when somebody feels mature and is ready psychologically to do it.\n\nKaterina
488349
legally when your 18. At that time you can enter into contracts legally, and your responsible for your own actions and mom and dad can finally kick you out of the house.
881166
18 years old just like in other countries.
747704
Our founders felt that a certain amount of maturity was needed. There are also minimum ages for House of Representatives & Senate. Many statews have minimum ages for various offices for the same reason.\nI wouldn't be comfortable with a 25 yr old president.
1098883
I agree, if your male and your 18 and over, anything over 3 yrs is inappropiate. I would say between 2 and 3 yrs but then again depending on the maturity of the lesser you may want to trhough the rules out of the window.
426855
That means that the child is basically "divorcing" their parents.  They will be deemed as adults through the law.  Example: A 16 year old who becomes emancipated is legally considered a adult.  That child is able to make there own decisions and will no longer re lie on the parents for financial support, "Emancipation ends the parents' rights to control his or her minor child or to participate in any decision-making about the child. If a child is emancipated, the parents no longer have the right to determine where the child lives or goes to school, or how the child's money is spent. The parent also has no right to the Minor's wages or earnings." (http://www.clcm.org/minors_rights.htm).\nGood Luck
412682
18 is considered the age of legal consent.  Of couirse then you gotta pay bills, get a job, find a place to live, get food, figure out transportation, insurance, taxes, utilities and of course buying the stuff to put in the place your live like a bed but you are probably thinking cable TV, phone etc.  Those are nice to have too.  These are all things you would like but education is the key to getting all the stuff.  Start buy getting your high school diploma first.  If it is difficult at home there are places that help.
262638
Yes, at 18 you're considered to be an adult.
138658
if you're over 18 it seems ok.
647289
Age shouldn't matter between consenting adults.  My hubby and I have 18 years difference in age but we've been married 8 years.  Maturity matters, but in the eyes of the law, under 18 is a child and he can get into BIG trouble if ya'll are doing things you shouldn't be doing until after you turn 18.  After you're 18, you're able to do as you wish...
610033
It's called the age of majority. No, it is not legal in all 50 states. Infact, pertaining to firearms and liquor, it is ONLY a possibility in Louisiana. Now, as for emancipation (where a minor becomes independent of his/her parents), that is possible in ALL 50 states. They still may not purchase controlled substances OR vote until they are of the age mandated by the state. However, they are legally responsible for all of their own actions, financial commitments, etc.