Under what condition are minors not considered capable of legally speaking for themselves?

Minors are typically not considered capable of legally speaking for themselves when it comes to legal consent. The legal system generally recognizes that individuals under the age of majority may lack the capacity to fully understand the implications of legal agreements or actions. This means they cannot independently provide consent for certain legal matters, as they may not possess the maturity and understanding required to make informed decisions that will be binding and have long-term implications.

For medical and parental consent, there are special considerations where minors can sometimes provide consent under certain circumstances, such as in the case of emergency medical treatment or specific health issues. However, when it comes to broader legal decisions, parental or guardian approval is generally necessary to ensure that a responsible adult is overseeing significant choices and protecting the minor's interests. This standard helps safeguard minors from making potentially detrimental decisions they may not fully grasp.