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ChristianKl comments on Open Thread, October 7 - October 12, 2013 - Less Wrong Discussion

5 Post author: Thomas 07 October 2013 02:52PM

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Comment author: ChristianKl 08 October 2013 03:50:06PM *  3 points [-]

The second is probably why they people here are surprised the drinking age is 21 in much of the United States. 18, rather than the more traditional 21 (see Roman laws) likely exists as a Schelling point for legal rights, because during the 20th century men of that age where judged useful for military service, not because it was determined as the age where people generally become capable of making all decisions on their own behalf.

Hitler started drafting people of age 22 when he reintroduced the draft in Germany. Later he drafted even people under 18.

I would rather think 18 it's the time where most people leave high school or the local equivalent and go to college or take a job. Taking a job means that you have to be able to make contracts while people act school don't have to make their own contracts.

Comment author: Lumifer 08 October 2013 06:24:19PM 7 points [-]

Historically the first conscription in modern times was done by the French:

"Conscription in its modern form arose in revolutionary France, where universal military service was regarded both as a Republican duty, based on the principles of equality and fraternity, and as a necessity for national survival. In August 1793, a law limited liability for service to men between the ages of 18 and 25" (source)

In those times most people did not go to high school or the local equivalents.

Comment author: [deleted] 08 October 2013 05:51:51PM *  4 points [-]

Hitler's social order isn't the direct ancestor of our current social order.

British and Americans drafted at 18. British starting in WW1 as far as I can tell, Americans in WW2. The voting age in the United States was lowered for all states to 18 around the time of the Vietnam war (1971 to be exact), specifically on the notion it being unfair to draft 18 year old to fight in a war they couldn't vote on.

Comment author: ChristianKl 08 October 2013 07:29:24PM 3 points [-]

The US seems to have lowered it from 21 to 18 in 1942.

With googling I can't find easily when the US made 18 the year in which people can engage in contracts. But I think that's generally more central than voting and draft.

I would expect that age to be at 18 in the US before WWII.

Comment author: [deleted] 09 October 2013 07:23:25AM *  1 point [-]

But I think that's generally more central than voting and draft.

Maybe, I certainly think it matters more than voting. But I suspect voting carriers more symbolic weight in people's minds.

I would expect that age to be at 18 in the US before WWII.

This is an interesting question, If I have some time I'll check it out as well. Is there a lawyer who happens to know the answer here?

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