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Q&A

Know your rights! Youth justice and juvenile law answers.

Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

Copyright, 2014
Judge Tom

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.

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Crime and Punishment
4

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 most of these 

You and Other Important Rights
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 

You and Other Important Rights
29

Is prank calling illegal?

Although the following prank calling case is over forty years old, it is still relevant as far as current prank calling 

You and Other Important Rights
0

Can I get in 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 and Other Important Rights
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, 

You and Other Important Rights
1

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 

You and Other Important Rights
1

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 

You and Other Important Rights
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 

You and Other Important Rights
0

What are my rights as a LGBTQ teenager?

The law doesn′t distinguish between gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual (straight) or transgender teenagers. The rights and protections provided are equally applicable 

You and Other Important Rights
0

What is sexual harassment?

  Test your knowledge of sexual harassment by taking this true-or false quiz: (T )(F) Sexual harassment is a problem 

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