Indiana legal term
child in Indiana Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Indiana legislative session
In Indiana criminal law, “child” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Indiana criminal code.
What does “child” mean in Indiana criminal law?
"child" means a person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age. (Ind. Code § 35-47-10-3)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Battery
- Domestic battery
- Criminal confinement
- Interference with custody
- Kidnapping
- Sexual misconduct with a minor
- Vicarious sexual gratification; sexual conduct in presence of a minor
- Child molesting
- Possession of child sexual abuse material; exemptions; defenses
- Child exploitation; exemptions; defenses
- Dangerous control of a firearm
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.