What defines a delinquent offender?

A delinquent offender is specifically defined as a juvenile who has committed an act that would typically be considered a crime if committed by an adult. This classification focuses on individuals under the age of legal adulthood who engage in behaviors that violate criminal laws. The distinction is significant because the juvenile justice system is designed to handle these individuals differently than adult offenders, emphasizing rehabilitation and guidance rather than punishment alone.

The other options, while they describe certain behaviors or conditions, do not align with the legal definition of delinquency. For instance, mental illness does not define delinquency; rather, it pertains to an individual's psychological state. Similarly, skipping school falls under truancy, which isn't considered a delinquent act in the same way that committing a crime is. Lastly, adults breaking the law are categorized as offenders or criminals, which is distinct from the juvenile classification of delinquency.