What is required for conduct to be classified as delinquent?

For conduct to be classified as delinquent, it must violate penal law. This means that the behavior in question is recognized by law as an offense, regardless of the severity or nature of the act. When a minor engages in behavior that breaks criminal law, it is categorized as delinquency. This classification is primarily aimed at distinguishing criminal behavior when committed by youth, allowing for a different response than what would be applicable to adults, who are dealt with under the criminal justice system in full.

The options that reference violence, age, or reporting to authorities are not essential criteria for determining delinquent conduct. A delinquent act does not necessarily have to involve violent behavior; non-violent offenses can also fall under this classification. Additionally, delinquent conduct must be associated with the actions of a minor, not adults, who are subject to different legal standards. Lastly, while reporting may lead to intervention or legal proceedings, it is not a prerequisite for defining whether an act is delinquent. Thus, the requirement focusing on violations of penal law is key in understanding why that particular choice is correct.