Which term refers to a minor who has committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult?

The term that refers to a minor who has committed an act that would be classified as a crime if performed by an adult is "delinquent." In the context of juvenile law, a delinquent is someone under the age of majority who engages in behavior that violates criminal laws, thereby necessitating the involvement of the juvenile justice system.

This term is pivotal in differentiating between cases involving minors and those involving adults, as the legal consequences and approaches to rehabilitation for minors are distinct from those applicable to adults. Delinquency proceedings are often focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, reflecting a belief in the potential for change among young offenders.

In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different concepts. For example, a dependent typically refers to a minor who is in need of care or supervision not necessarily due to criminal behavior. A non-minor dependent often refers to a young adult who has been in the foster care system but is still receiving support, while a ward of the court describes a minor who is under the protection and authority of the court, but may not necessarily have committed a crime.