Teens and the Law: Crimes and Punishments
Now that you know your rights and responsibilities, you might want to know the consequences of breaking the law
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What if I use a fake ID?
This looks like the real thing, doesn′t it? Actually, it is. It′s an identification card showing the real cardholder, but the statistics are false. Peter′s birthdate is wrong, as well as the address. When Peter ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
Can I gamble? What if I win the lottery?
“You wanna bet?” “Put your money where your mouth is.” “I′ll bet you $5 I′m right.”Everyone has said something like this at one time or another. Most of the time, you′re kidding. However, if ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
Is it illegal to belong to a gang?
It′s not against the law to be a member of a gang. The First Amendment′s freedom of assembly gives you the right to join any group or club, assuming you meet their requirements. Membership in ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (1)
What if I damage someone else′s property?
If you damage property, it makes little difference whether it was a car, home, school, or business. And it doesn′t matter whether the act was intentional or not. The issue becomes one of accountability and ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What if I start a fire that gets out of control?
Most fires are either accidental or acts of nature: defective wiring or appliances, lightning, campfires, or explosions. A number of fires, though, are intentionally set. Depending on the amount of damage and the exact cause, ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What is trespassing?
“Do Not Enter,” “Private Property,” “No Trespassing.” You′ve probably seen these signs on vacant lots,wooded areas, abandoned houses, or near factories. Trespass is defined as entering or remaining on someone′s property without permission. If there′s ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
Is it against the law to fight?
Your everyday spat between siblings isn′t against the law. But if the argument escalates and someone is injured, the law has been broken. Fighting is referred to by different names, depending on the incident and ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What will happen to me if I get caught shoplifting?
Scene One: After school, Julie, Colin, and Matt stop at the local store for a snack and something to drink. Julie is by herself for a few seconds, and she slips a pack of gum ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
Am I in trouble with the law if I disobey my parents?
Behavior that at one time was considered fun and mischievous— or just part of growing up—is now reason for you and your parents to appear in court. An overnight with a friend that turns into ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What is a juvenile delinquent?
Words and phrases differ between the juvenile and adult justice systems. There′s a long-standing philosophy that children who break the law are to be nurtured and rehabilitated, not punished as criminals. Consequently, the language isn′t ...
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Crimes and Punishments, Q&A (0)
What′s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
“High crimes and misdemeanors,” “petty and status offenses,” “city ordinances,” “felonies,” “infractions”—you′ve probably heard many, if not all, of these terms. Through TV, the movies, or personal experience, you′ve come across these references to crime. ...
