NCJ Number
116514
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Children's rights and responsibilities under the law are examined from a psychological perspective, with emphasis on criminal rights, property rights, drinking and driving, religious issues, and sexual and family issues.
Abstract
The age at which full criminal responsibility is assumed varies widely, although the legal age of responsibility in the United States is generally set at 16-18 years. In most States and Federal courts, the judicial system treats children under age 18 as juveniles. The law regarding property owned by juveniles has recently become somewhat more flexible. The law divides property into real property (land) and personal property. There is increasing recognition that, in some instances, a minor is capable of making a binding contract. Further, the American Bar Association has recommended legislation that would allow contracts made by persons over age 12 to be binding. Since alcoholism in teenagers appears to be increasing, a uniform drinking age of 21 in all States is recommended. Although viewpoints vary on parental rights to make religious choices for their children, such choices are not frequently an issue in courts or psychiatric evaluations. The trend of recent U.S. court decisions has leaned toward individual versus family rights, and these decisions support the concept that adolescents have the same civil and constitutional rights as adults regarding sexual expression. The key issues in sexual expression concern abortion, contraception, AIDS, peer pressure, and sex education. 22 references.