Definition of mutism. : the condition of being unable to speak whether from physical, functional, or psychological cause.
Adolescents rushing to become adult have pushed the government reconsider the age of responsibility. Therefore, 21 is the age of responsibility taking account: decision making, impulse control and maturity. To begin with, the age of responsibility is defined by a persons decision making. Poor decisions at times lead teenagers to more dangerous/complicated situations.
In England and Wales and in Northern Ireland a minor is a person under the age of 18; in Scotland, under the age of 16. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales and in Northern Ireland is 10; and 12 in Scotland, formerly 8, which was the lowest age in Europe.