You And Other Important Rights

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.

You and Other Important Rights (80)

Can a police officer read my text messages?

[caption id="attachment_816" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Tim Samoff"][/caption] The police cannot take your cell phone and, without consent, read through your texts unless they have at least reasonable suspicion that a crime ...
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You and Other Important Rights (0)

Can I buy and use fireworks?

[caption id="attachment_820" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Irene (Flickr)"][/caption] When used carelessly or by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fireworks can quickly turn a celebration into ...
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You and Other Important Rights (0)

Can I get into trouble by using the telephone?

[caption id="attachment_825" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Heated Ground Photography"][/caption] When Gerald Gault* was fifteen years old, he made an obscene telephone call. The call was traced to Gerald′s ...
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You and Other Important Rights (0)

Can I get into trouble for swearing?

Depending on the circumstances, using profanity or offensive hand gestures may cause you serious problems. In some parts of the country, you could be charged with disturbing ...
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You and Other Important Rights (0)

Can I go across the border with my friends?

[caption id="attachment_844" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Coyote2012 (Flickr)"][/caption] You may be allowed to cross national borders without your parents. During the summer, winter vacation, or spring break, many ...
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What if I see someone abusing an animal?

[caption id="attachment_849" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by AAWLSPCA"][/caption] Most states have laws requiring the safe and humane treatment of animals. These laws include pets that have been brought to ...
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You and Other Important Rights (1)

Do I need a license to go hunting or fishing?

[caption id="attachment_854" align="alignleft" width="236" caption="Photo by Longwayround.co.nz"][/caption] You may wonder why a permit or license to hunt or fish is required in the first place. Here are two ...
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How late can I stay out?

Depending on your age, there are certain times when you must be in at night. These are called curfews—state or local laws that require you to ...
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You and Other Important Rights (0)

What are my rights as a gay, lesbian, or bisexual teenager?

[caption id="attachment_868" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Stephen Masker"][/caption] The law doesn′t distinguish between gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual (straight) teenagers. The rights and protections provided are equally applicable ...
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What is sexual harassment?

[caption id="attachment_872" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Banna123456's (Flickr)"][/caption] Test your knowledge of sexual harassment by taking this true-or false quiz: (T )(F) Sexual harassment is a problem at school. (T ...
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What if I′m discriminated against based on my age, sex, or race?

[caption id="attachment_882" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Lindsey T. (Flickr)"][/caption] Discrimination is defined as treating someone differently based on something other than merit, such as race, age, or gender.You ...
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Can I get out of a contract?

[caption id="attachment_888" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Ewen and Donabel (Flickr)"][/caption] The laws about contracts and minors vary from state to state. Because of your age and lack of business ...
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Can I sign a contract?

[caption id="attachment_893" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo by Chloe N. (Flickr)"][/caption] Most transactions today are put into writing, whether a lengthy legal contract or the fine print on a ticket ...
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You and Other Important Rights, You and School (0)

Do I have complete freedom of expression in school?

No one, whether a juvenile or adult (student or not), has complete freedom of expression without some limits. The government may place reasonable restrictions on our freedoms. For example, city laws about loud noise at ...
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You and Other Important Rights, You and School (0)

Can my property be searched and seized?

The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Does this apply to you at school? Yes. Does it mean that your locker or backpack are off-limits to school personnel? No. [caption id="attachment_911" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Photo ...
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