[Theodores]

In the UK 17 is a golden age for crime and getting away with it. IANAL, however, I think that you are not an adult in the eyes of a court of law, yet, being over 16, mummy and daddy do not have to be told - so no beatings at home and no prison cell/fine/community service.

Fortunately most teenagers don't know about the relative benefits of being 17, but, if you decided that making an honest living was for losers and that a life of crime was worth giving a go, that year of being 17 is the best time to do some 'apprenticeship'.

Is this the case in the U.S. and Canada?

[pierlux]

I've heard of many cases in Québec, where if the crime is judged severe enough, a 16-17 yo would end up being treated as an adult instead of going through juvenile courts.

[67726e]

I think it varies from state to state, but I know in the state of South Carolina one is considered an adult at 17 in court for some reason. I think the prosecutor can also choose to charge you as an adult if the crime is serious enough.

[al2o3cr]

"Fortunately most teenagers don't know about the relative benefits of being 17, but, if you decided that making an honest living was for losers and that a life of crime was worth giving a go, that year of being 17 is the best time to do some 'apprenticeship'."

Sure, but which banks are hiring 17-year-olds as executives? ;)