Many jurisdictions require parental consent before a minor child may engage in certain actions. Statutes defining parental consent often describe who may give parental consent as a parent, legal guardian or other person authorized to act on behalf of the minor.
Activities commonly requiring parental consent include the marriage of a minor or a minor’s medical treatment.
Many American jurisdictions define the age of consent as 18 years old and require parental consent before a child reaches the age of consent. The practice is rooted in the idea that someone who is not yet 18 years old likely lacks the maturity and experience to make some important decisions.
Parental consent laws place decision-making power in the hands of a minor child’s parent, legal guardian or other authorized person. Once a child reaches the age of majority, parental consent is no longer needed.