Chapter 11
Curfew Laws
Consider this after reading “Facts” in your Workbook:
Is teen curfew the way to protect teenagers and to cut down the crime rate?
During the past years curfew laws have been passed all over the United States to try to deal with teenage violence. About 70 % of US cities and towns have curfew laws.
Teen curfew laws specify when teenagers can and can’t be on the streets or in public places. The laws may vary from city to city, but they follow a basic pattern. Teenagers should not be seen on the streets after 10 p.m. on school nights and 11 p.m. on weekends. They are not allowed back onto public property until next morning. There might be some exceptions connected with school or church sponsored events, or if they are traveling home from work.
Consequences of breaking curfew laws
In all other circumstances, whether they are on the streets, at a mall, attending a football game, a theatre performance or even driving their own car, the police may arrest them for breaking curfew law if the ID shows that they are under 18. Then they are driven to a detention center. Handcuffs are used if there is any sign of violence.
Treatment and punishment
At the center police and counselors will be waiting. The parents will be informed of the situation when they arrive at the center. If there is evidence of drug or alcohol, the teen may be sent to a treatment center. In cases of abuse or neglect by the parents, Child Protective Services will be contacted. In more serious cases, The Juvenile Hall is an alternative. Punishment can range from a 50dollar fine for first offences to a 1000dollar fine or 90 days in jail for multiple offences.
Fair and effective laws?
However, many people ask if these laws are fair, and if they are effective in combating teen violence.
Opponents of curfew laws claim that they break the rights of the US citizens under 18. They are giving teens unequal treatment by restricting their movements. They argue that in the past a curfew law has never been permanent, but has only been used in extreme cases of security concerns as during riots. Some say that instead of helping to catch real criminals, curfews make criminals out of good kids.
The US Supreme Court has stated that well-designed teen curfews are legal because the need for public security is more important than the need to protect teen rights.
Among the supporters of curfew laws you find many politicians. They think the laws are a way of protecting teens and preventing violence, and they encourage more cities to adopt them.
Curfew supporters argue that this is an effective way of preventing crime from increasing. This is especially true in families where parents are unable or unwilling to take responsibility for their kids.
Cities around the US that have enforced curfew laws have seen a remarkable decrease in teen crime. Opponents will claim that the effect is unclear and that the laws cause a waste of police resources.
As the success seems to become more evident, curfew laws are gaining in popularity, even among teenagers. Is this an indicator that such laws are needed and wanted to protect teenagers in a dangerous world?