How did we get the specific age number for Age of Consent, Age of Voting, Gun ownership, Driver License, etc.. when age is often subjective for maturity?

Question

Not a pedophile, just wondering.

In: Other

Answer 1

There is no test for maturity that is reliable. So societies just came up with an age. Not every society uses the exact same ages. Cultural norms play a role of course.

There are practical considerations. Physical maturity and strength (broadly from 17 onwards). And societies generally don’t punish their young as harshly as their adults – so it really ties into when a person is deemed old enough to assume full responsibility for their actions.

Some countries don’t allow private gun ownership generally for anyone whatever the age.