Welcome to Askthejudge.info [ATJ]
This is your place to read and talk about the law–what’s happening in your town and across America. ATJ presents over
Judge Tom
Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.
Can my juvenile record be destroyed?
Adults of all ages return to juvenile court and adult court asking for their juvenile records to be destroyed or expunged.
Does the death penalty apply to teens?
When Billy was fifteen years old, he and his brother and two friends brutally murdered Billy′s brother-in-law. Billy kicked and
Can I be put in jail?
If you′re locked up by the police or because of a court order, against your will and away from home, you′re
Can I be tried in adult court?
Regardless of your age, if the crime is serious, the prosecutor may file charges against you in adult court or
What happens in juvenile court?
Some people call it “juvy,” “children′s court,” “juvenile court,” or “juvenile hall.” The names change from state to state,
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
What is a jury?
A jury has been described as a random slice of the community chosen to decide a lawsuit. After you turn
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
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