term:

Age Of Majority

age of majority

:the age at which a person is granted by law the rights (as ability to sue) and responsibilities (as liability under contract) of an adult compare emancipate NOTE: At common law, the age of majority was 21. Age of majority is now set by statute, in most states at 18. The age at which a person may perform various acts, as legally drink alcoholic beverages, make a binding contract, or make a valid will, does not necessarily correspond with the age of majority.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.