Gault in Schools - Bringing Gault to Kids

In re Gault is a landmark case decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1967. The case involved a 15-year-old boy, Gerald Francis Gault. After a trial in juvenile court, Gerald was placed in a "training school" for juvenile delinquents because of his alleged involvement with a prank call. As a juvenile Gault was denied many rights guaranteed to adults who are on trial for committing a crime -- the right to notice of the charges, the right to confront witnesses, the privilege against self incrimination and the right to counsel. It was in this case that the United States Supreme Court recognized the similarities between juvenile trials and criminal proceedings and afforded children due process protections in juvenile court.

2007 is the 40th anniversary of this landmark decision and in honor of Gault, the Center for Children, Law & Policy (CCLP) of the University of Houston Law Center is hosting a special event.

During the fall semester CCLP will go to local schools to teach elementary, middle, and high school students about their right to an attorney. This ongoing community project will be hosted by the CCLP and headline center staff, local attorneys, and law students as speakers. These interactive presentations will allow students a chance to see how the Gault decision has made a difference in the legal rights of America's youth.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• law
• school
• supreme
• court
• juvenile
• justice
• criminal
• defense