What do 'status offenses' refer to?

The term 'status offenses' specifically refers to acts that are deemed unlawful only because of the age of the offender. These include behaviors that would not be considered illegal if committed by an adult. For example, truancy, running away from home, and underage drinking are all considered status offenses. The law recognizes that young individuals may engage in certain behaviors that are typical parts of growing up but may be regulated based on their age. This distinction is crucial in juvenile justice as it underscores the understanding that minors often require different treatment and considerations compared to adult offenders.

In contrast, acts that are illegal for everyone, regardless of age, do not fit into the category of status offenses, nor do actions that are encouraged among youths. Moreover, mandatory sentencing applies to certain crimes but is unrelated to the specific definition of status offenses.