What is the term for a violation of U.S. law committed by a person under the age of eighteen that would have been a crime if committed by an adult?

The term "delinquent offense" specifically refers to actions committed by minors that would be classified as crimes if they were committed by an adult. This category encompasses a wide range of activities, which can include both felonies and misdemeanors, but it is focused on the context of juvenile behavior. When a minor engages in behavior that violates the law, the legal system addresses it differently than it would for adults, often emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment.

In contrast, the other terms such as felony offense, misdemeanor, and infraction relate to the severity and classification of the crime itself rather than the age of the offender. A felony is a serious crime usually punishable by imprisonment for over a year or by death, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by fines or short jail time. An infraction is the least serious violation, often resulting in a fine but not jail time. Delinquent offenses, therefore, correctly encapsulate the idea of legal violations committed by youth under eighteen and highlight the juvenile justice system's focus on addressing the behaviors of minors.