When they try minor defendants in the USA as "adults," aren't they saying the kids aren't what the seem to be, that they aren't actually their chronological age? "Young at heart," an "old soul," saying the same thing.

Maybe we should respect someone who says they're old enough to be free of parental guardianship, or an adult child who isn't 26 in their self-view and shouldn't be kicked off their parents insurance.

Lots of possibilities here