Which statement describes an emancipated minor?
a. A person who is not legally an adult (18 years of age) and is free to give consent and sign contracts.
b. A person who is not legally an adult (18 years of age) but has obtained written parental permission to give consent and sign contracts.
c. A person who is not legally an adult (18 years of age) who is married, in the military, or otherwise no longer dependent on his or her parents.
d. Enables the provider to ask questions of the young person in order to determine whether or not the minor has the maturity to provide his or her own consent for treatment.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. A person who is not legally an adult (18 years of age) who is married, in the military, or otherwise no longer dependent on his or her parents.
An emancipated minor is someone who has legally gained independence from their parents or guardians before reaching the age of majority, which is typically 18 years old in most jurisdictions. Emancipation grants minors certain legal rights, allowing them to make decisions and take actions that would otherwise require adult consent. These rights include signing contracts, making medical decisions, and handling their own financial affairs.
The process of emancipation can occur in different ways, such as through marriage, joining the military, or court order. In some cases, a minor can petition a court for emancipation if they can prove they are capable of managing their own affairs and are not financially dependent on their parents. In many jurisdictions, this process is formalized, requiring legal documentation or approval from a judge.
Emancipation does not automatically grant all adult rights, but it does provide minors with more autonomy in managing their lives. For instance, an emancipated minor can make decisions about education, health care, and housing without parental consent or involvement. However, there may still be some legal restrictions, such as the inability to purchase alcohol or tobacco, or other age-based limitations depending on local laws.
This status contrasts with options such as b, where a minor still requires parental consent, or d, which refers to an assessment of maturity rather than legal independence. Option a misrepresents the legal status, as emancipated minors gain rights through specific legal means, not simply because they are not yet 18.