In law, an infant refers to a person who is not of age or not of full age. Essentially, it is a term used to describe someone who is under the age of twenty-one years, also known as a minor. As a minor, an infant is considered legally incapable of making certain decisions or entering into certain contracts without the assistance or consent of an adult.
I remember when I was an infant in the eyes of the law. It was an interesting and somewhat frustrating time. Being under the age of twenty-one meant that I wasn’t considered fully responsible for my actions and decisions. There were certain limitations and restrictions placed on me, all in the name of protection and ensuring my well-being.
One of the main areas where these restrictions came into play was in contracts. As an infant, I couldn’t enter into certain types of contracts on my own. This is because the law recognized that I may not have the necessary understanding or maturity to fully comprehend the implications and consequences of a contract.
For example, if I wanted to purchase a car or sign a lease agreement, I would need the assistance or consent of an adult, typically a parent or guardian. This was done to protect me from entering into agreements that I may not fully understand or that could potentially be unfair or harmful to me.
In addition to contracts, there were also limitations placed on my ability to engage in certain activities. For instance, I couldn’t vote or serve on a jury until I reached the age of majority, which is typically eighteen years old. These restrictions were again in place to ensure that I was given the time and opportunity to mature and develop before being entrusted with certain responsibilities and decision-making powers.
It’s important to note that while the term “infant” is often used in legal contexts, it is not typically used in everyday conversation. Instead, the term “minor” is more commonly used to refer to someone who is under the age of majority.
To summarize, an infant in law is a person who is under the age of twenty-one and is considered a minor. This designation comes with certain restrictions and limitations, particularly in the areas of contracts and certain activities. The purpose of these restrictions is to protect the well-being and best interests of the infant until they reach the age of majority.