Mature minor doctrine

The mature minor doctrine is a rule that says certain kids who are under 18 (the age when you become an adult) may be able to make decisions on their own about certain things. This is especially true if the kids are mature and responsible enough to make good decisions and understand what the decision will mean for them. So, for example, if a 15 year old was very responsible and had a lot of life experience, the mature minor doctrine might say that he can make his own decisions about his medical care or his finances without his parents’ permission.