NCJ Number
77370
Date Published
1976
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This book is designed to provide high school students with information on common problems related to criminal and civil law and the criminal justice system, with emphasis on California law.
Abstract
The booklet was designed by high school students, and the subject matter was chosen as the result of student work sessions. The booklet focuses on questions of law dealing with people under 18 years of age but also covers many areas of interest to adults. The difference between a misdemeanor and felony is explained, and shoplifting, vandalism, assault, battery, extortion, and other offenses are defined. The characteristics and causes of child abuse are described. Basic laws related to juveniles are explained in the areas of the responsibility and liability of parents and schools, minors' rights and duties, curfew, juvenile court procedure, diversion, emancipation, marriage, and work. Explanations of traffic laws and offenses cover hitchhiking, bicycles, motorcycles, motor vehicle accidents, motor vehicle insurance, and traffic court for juveniles. Laws relating to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are discussed, and California's drug diversion program is explained. Laws pertaining to weapons, search and seizure, and citizens' arrests are also discussed. The manual looks at laws pertaining to the police handling of citizen complaints; laws related to self-defense; and civil law related to torts, contracts, and landlord and tenant matters. Addresses of sources of help for personal problems are also given.