A juvenile act is classified as delinquent if it constitutes what?

A juvenile act is classified as delinquent when it constitutes an act committed by a juvenile that is a criminal offense according to adult law. This definition establishes a clear threshold for delinquency, emphasizing that the act in question is one that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult.

This classification is essential as it helps differentiate between behavior typical for children and genuine criminal offenses that have legal repercussions. By framing the definition in terms of adult law, it reflects the serious nature of certain actions that, while committed by minors, fall under the jurisdiction of the justice system when they breach legal statutes meant to protect public safety and welfare.

The other options refer to behaviors that may not necessarily constitute a legal violation or meet the threshold of criminality. For example, disobedience or skipping school could be viewed as behavioral issues but do not inherently suggest a legal offense. Bullying, while serious and harmful, may not always align with legal definitions of delinquency unless it escalates to criminal actions. Thus, the focus on acts that are criminal offenses for adults precisely identifies the scope of juvenile delinquency.