Actually, it depends on the State. In Georgia, you are no longer a "juvenile" at the age of 17. You might be a "minor" at that age, but you will be prosecuted and convicted as an "adult" under the criminal code.

Georgia is rather interesting, since you cannot legally bind yourself in a contractual obligation until you're 18, but you can go to prison at 17. You can't drink (in any State) until 21, because you're a minor, but if you steal a six-pack, you're charged with theft as an adult, but also with possession of alcohol by a minor. AND, you go to jail.

Anybody confused yet ?

In Georgia, the legal age of consent (for carnal knowledge) is 16, but if you drop out of school before you're 17, you lose your driver's license (if you have one). You cannot get married until you're 18, but you can "practice up" for the honeymoon two years ahead of time.

However, if for some reason you get pregnant at 16, you CAN get married, but if you steal the wedding rings, you'll go to Juvenile Detention, since it's not a crime at 16, it's considered a "delinquent act".

You are not legally emancipated until the age of 18, but can STILL go to prison at 17. I suppose that would be "forced" emancipation.

Legally, you cannot vote until you're 18, but you CAN go to prison before you're even qualified to vote (at 17), thereby effectively losing your right to vote before you even have it.

Take notes. There WILL be a quiz.