What are acts of delinquency that are not considered crimes for adults called?

Acts of delinquency that are not considered crimes for adults are referred to as status offenses. These are behaviors that are only deemed illegal because of the age of the individual committing them. Common examples include underage drinking, truancy, and running away from home. These actions are labeled as "status offenses" explicitly because they would not be punishable if the person were an adult.

Understanding the distinction is crucial for those working in probation and juvenile justice, as the legal focus is often on rehabilitating young individuals rather than punishing them in the same manner as adult offenders. Other terms, like misdemeanors and infractions, refer to offenses that can be charged to any individual, regardless of age, thereby encompassing actions that are criminal for adults as well. Warrants relate to legal documents issued by a judge to allow for arrests or searches, which is a different legal concept altogether.