Teens and the Law: You and Other Important Rights
Laws regulate many aspects of your life—from how late you can stay out at night to whether you can sign a contract or cross the border.
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (2)
Can my juvenile record be destroyed?
Adults of all ages return to court asking for their juvenile records to be destroyed. The reasons vary: a new job, continuing education, a credit application, or military service.You don′t necessarily have to have a ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
Does the death penalty apply to me?
When Billy was fifteen years old, he and his brother and two friends brutally murdered Billy′s brother-in-law. Billy kicked and shot the victim in the head, slit his throat, and dragged his body, chained to ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
Can I be put in jail?
Yes. If you′re locked up, against your will and away from your home, you′re in jail. It may be referred to as detention, lock-up, secure care, or some other less harsh term than jail, but ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
What if I′m tried in adult court?
Regardless of your age, if your crime is serious, the prosecutor may file charges against you in adult court or ask the juvenile court to transfer you to adult court. All states have a procedure ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
What happens in juvenile court?
Some people may call it “juvy,” “children′s court,” “juvenile court,” or “juvenile hall.” The names change from state to state, but the court′s job and authority over you are the same. Your age determines whether ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
Is every court decision final?
Once a decision is made by a judge or a jury at the trial court level, anyone can ask a higher court to review his or her case. The right to appeal isn′t automatic in ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
What is a jury?
A jury has been described as a random slice of the community chosen to decide a lawsuit. After you turn eighteen, you may receive a notice in the mail requiring you to appear for jury ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
Why are there so many different courts?
Throughout the United States, there are courts with different responsibilities and authority. The courts derive their authority from state and federal constitutions, and from laws passed by state legislatures. Each court has specific cases that ...
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You and the Legal System, Q&A (0)
What is a lawsuit?
Have you ever worked for someone, baby-sat, or done yard work and not been paid? Was your first car a lemon and the seller refused to do anything about it? If your answer to either of ...
