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.
Any individual who is under the age of 17 years; under the age of 21 years, who committed an act of delinquency before reaching the age of 17 years, and who has been placed under the supervision of the court or on probation to the court; or under the age of 18 years, if alleged to be a deprived child.