Valerie, a 15-year-old, faced punishment for dropping out of school and leaving home without permission. "They don't punish 20-year-olds for doing what I did," she says. Which of these terms accurately describes Valerie's situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Valerie's actions (dropping out of school and leaving home without permission) are classified as status offenses, which are acts that are only considered illegal when committed by minors because of their age and status as minors. Adults are not punished for these acts. The other choices (criminal justice, social adulthood, initiation ceremonies) do not accurately describe Valerie's situation.

Valerie, a 15-Year-Old, Faced Punishment for Dropping Out of School