Definition of mutism. : the condition of being unable to speak whether from physical, functional, or psychological cause.
Adolescents rushing to become adult have pushed the government reconsider the age of responsibility. Therefore, 21 is the age of responsibility taking account: decision making, impulse control and maturity. To begin with, the age of responsibility is defined by a persons decision making. Poor decisions at times lead teenagers to more dangerous/complicated situations.
Statutes vary considerably from state to state, but under common law most states allow for the possibility of court-reviewed emancipation. No fixed age of emancipation exists, yet a minor is presumed to become emancipated upon reaching the age of majority. In most states, the age of majority is 18. If a state does not have a specific emancipation statute or even a procedural rule, the court may act as the primary arbiter of cases involving a minor's claim to emancipated legal status. Emancipation on the basis of judicial decree requires a petition. The petitioner is typically one of three kinds of legal personage: a minor, a parent of a minor or a next friend/guardian ad litem. Most states require that adults petition the court, although emancipation is a right extended to children.