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Course Introduction
Coun 150 – Laws Relating to Children
Richard M. Cartier Class 1
About the Course
This course presents an overview of traditional legal doctrines concerning minors in the home, in the school, and in the juvenile justice system, with an emphasis on applying traditional doctrines to current issues.
The goal is to encourage your commitment to make a difference.
Course syllabus
Objectives
Assignments
Grading 2 quizzes & a cumulative exam Compilation paper
Webpage: http://CommonGroundJustice.comE-mail: rcartier@csufresno.edu Phone: 439-7606
Why do we have laws?
To protect individual liberties
To create the kind of society we want
Consider the following: Seat belts School prayer; “under God”
Children and the Law –competing views
The law should respect children because they are human beings with rights.
The law should protect children because they are vulnerable and weak.
/Children are not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. /Should they be?
Who is a child?
Age of Majority
Now age 18 for most purposes
California -- March 4, 1972
/What is the legal distinction between adults and children?
Who speaks for the child?
Traditionally, parents are primarily responsible for the care and rearing of their children.
The state will intervene in certain instances to ensure adequate parenting.
/ What voice should the child have?
Some recent research
Census data --population / racial and ethnic stats / life expectancy
Poverty Divorce Death rates – stats / homicide, suicide,
and fire-arm related deaths
Other factors affecting children . . .
California Specific Material Cases & Codes
Also available:
When You Turn 18
Seniors & the Law
http://www.CommonGroundJustice.com -- Links
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