Since 1751 the age of 21 has been generally accepted as the age of legal majority in America. Since 1970, however, 42 States have lowered the age to 18 or 19 for most purposes, and the 26th Amendment to the Constitution lowered the age for voting in Federal elections to 18. The new statutes will have wide impact on legal affairs. In particular, the ability of young adults to make binding contracts and the legal responsibility parents have for their children will be significantly changed. Even though most secondary school students are under 18 and most school rules do not depend on the age of students, the new statutes will affect secondary school administrators in several ways. In many States, students over the age of majority will be able to establish a legal residence separate from their parents. Adult students will also have the right to view their school records and to prevent their parents from viewing many of them. In most cases school administrators will no longer be able to require parental consent or permission forms for students past the age of majority. Other areas of concern will undoubtedly become apparent as the courts rule on specific legal questions. (JG)