The Gault Case: Legal Rights for Young People (Landmark Supreme Court Cases)

Examines the 1967 Supreme Court Case in which the court ruled that juvenile courts cannot deprive children of certain rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Gr 7 Up-Billitteri deals with a subject that is sure to be of interest: the rights of teens in the court system. Gerald Gault, a 15-year-old in 1964, was accused by a neighbor of placing an obscene phone call. Even though there was no proof, he was arrested and placed in a juvenile-detention facility, even before his parents were notified of the charges and the arrest. The ensuing legal battle over due process and the court's responsibility to act as parens patriae for juveniles eventually made its way to the Supreme Court. The issues raised by the case are just as relevant today as they were more than 30 years ago. The book does an excellent job of explaining important legal concepts and their historical bases. In an engaging style, the author looks objectively at all of the issues and explains clearly and concisely the courts' rulings and the arguments presented by both sides, including why and how appeals were filed, and gives a thorough explanation of the ruling of the Supreme Court. Stock black-and-white photos appear throughout.-Marilyn Heath, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.