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