Difference between 18 and 21 in NY?

Question

Ok, so the age of majority seems to be 21 in NY, but at 18 I can sign my own contracts, play the lottery, get a credit card, move out if I so wish, have s*x, rent an apartment, even buy a car (assuming I somehow had a good credit history at this young age). And yet the age of majority is 21... the only thing I can think of that happens at 21 is I can drink/ buy alcohol. Am I wrong in any of this? Or is there something else you can do at 21 that makes that the age of majority in New York? Why is it 21 if I can basically do everything at 18?

Answer 1

Because the government wants to give you a 3-year period of smoking marijuana before you can graduate to alcohol.  You can also purchase a firearm at 21.  Alcohol and firearms are a good mix.

You forgot to mention you can vote at 18.  You mentioned s*x but forgot voting.  

Answer 2

I guess i don't understand your question..the majority seems to be 21..?  the majority of the NY population?  the would probably be true.  But it sounds like your talking about being a minor (a minor is someone who is 18 or old, but not yet reached thier 21st birthday--and a juvenile is someone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday).  As for why individuals aren't allowed to drink until they are 21 in the states--it is argued that the brain hasn't fully developed until 21 years of age.  If individuals start drinking before their brain is fully developed, research indicates that it can lead to less intelligent individuals...whether this is true or not, I cannot confirm.

Answer 3

The age of majority is 18 in all states.  The age at which you can legally purchase and/or drink alcohol is 21.