Minnesota § 540.18 - DAMAGE BY MINOR; RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENT, GUARDIAN, AND MINOR
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 540.18 — DAMAGE BY MINOR; RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENT, GUARDIAN, AND MINOR, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 540.18. DAMAGE BY MINOR; RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENT, GUARDIAN, AND MINOR
Subdivision 1.Liability rule.
The parent or guardian of a minor who is under the age of 18 and who is living with the parent or guardian and who willfully or maliciously causes injury to any person or damage to any property is jointly and severally liable with such minor for such injury or damage to an amount not exceeding $1,000, if such minor would have been liable for such injury or damage if the minor had been an adult. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to relieve such minor from personal liability for such injury or damage. The liability provided in this subdivision is in addition to and not in lieu of any other liability which may exist at law. Recovery under this section shall be limited to special damages.
Subd. 2.Not applicable to certain persons.
This section shall not apply to persons having custody or charge of any minor under the authority of the Human Services or Corrections Department of the state.
History:
Ex1967 c 41 s 1-3; 1969 c 803 s 1; 1980 c 580 s 22; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 58; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 326 art 6 s 5; 2005 c 10 art 4 s 28
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 540.18
What does Minnesota Statutes § 540.18 cover?
Section 540.18 ("DAMAGE BY MINOR; RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENT, GUARDIAN, AND MINOR") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 540.18?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 540.18" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 540.18 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.