NCJ Number
174347
Date Published
1997
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This booklet uses a question-and-answer format to explain new Georgia laws that have had a major impact on the rights and responsibilities of children and adolescents.
Abstract
The discussion covers the School Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1994, the juvenile court, parental notification of abortion, traffic laws, driving under the influence, alcohol laws, employment, marriage, education, parental power, and crimes relating to sex offenses. The text notes that more and more juveniles who are arrested for violent crimes are now handled as adults and that the penalties for violent crimes are severe. Children ages 13 and over who are convicted of certain violent offenses will face mandatory sentences of 10 years to life in prison. Youth ages 17 may be sentenced to capital punishment. Georgia has also passed a law requiring graduated drivers' licenses for teenagers.