The Courts

In Atlanta, Ga., Jeff Dickerson a writer, and small time politician proposed a cerfew law to the legislators of Atlanta. This curfew law would put restrictions on minors after a certain time of the day. In Dickerson's proposal parents would be penalized if their child was a repeated offender. In November of 1990, Atlanta established a curfew law that would put everyone under the age of 16 to be in their homes by 8:00 p.m., if they were caught outside of their homes beyond that time, they would be arrested, and brought home to their parents.

In 1993, while under the curfew law, police detained 204 repeated offenders, took 293 children home, and arrested 99 parents. Some police officers in Atlanta say that the curfew ordinance has helped curb, but not eliminate juvenile delinguency. Crimes are still being commited, but 25% of the juvenile crimes has dropped, showing that the ordinance is working.

The courts have the hardest decisions to make in the area of curfew law because in upholding state laws, they have to make sure not to overlap government policy and individual protections and liberties. The courts must satisfy the public's complaint and not harm the minority by choosing their options. The courts must hear the opposing sides to produce a decision that is fair for all. The Supreme Court in the Dallas case upheld the curfew ordinance, but established clear exceptions to the rule such as, going to the movies and going to a private party. Therefore, this ordinance forbids loitering in the streets between ordinance hours.

The Dallas ordinance establishes fairness to teen rights and ensures protection to the rest of the public. Even though the courts make decisions that certain people disapprove, we the people entrust the court system in acting out their decisions to fair and respectful to society.