The Archives - September 2007
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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 ...
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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 (2)
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. ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
Can I buy and use fireworks?
When used carelessly or by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fireworks can quickly turn a celebration into a disaster. In 2005, there were five deaths in the United States from fireworks and 10,800 ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
Can I get into trouble by using the telephone?
When Gerald Gault* was fifteen years old, he made an obscene telephone call. The call was traced to Gerald′s house in Globe, Arizona. He was taken into custody, prosecuted, and placed in the state′s school ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
Can I get into trouble for swearing?
Depending on the circumstances, using profanity or offensive hand gestures may cause serious problems for you. In some parts of the country,you could be charged with disturbing the peace or violating a local profanity law. ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
Can I go across the border with my friends?
You may be allowed to cross national borders without your parents. During the summer, winter vacation, or spring break, many students take school trips across the border to Mexico or Canada without their parents along. Whether ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
What if I see someone abusing an animal?
Most states have laws requiring the safe and humane treatment of animals. These laws include pets that have been brought to school, so don′t forget about them when school is out or during weekends and ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
Do I need a license to go hunting or fishing?
You may wonder why a permit or license to hunt or fish is required in the first place. Here are two good reasons: • The revenues raised by the money spent on licenses and permits helps ...
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You and Other Important Rights, Q&A (0)
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 be off the street and at home by certain ...
