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Lsd-5 (legal Self-defense)

Lsd-5 (legal Self-defense) image
Parent Issue
Day
9
Month
July
Year
1971
OCR Text

LSD-5 (LEGAL SELF-DEFENSE)

What does it mean in the eyes of the law to be young in America? If you are under seventeen it means you must obey any lawful command or request made by your parents. The authority and, on the other hand, responsibility of the parents is backed by the full power of the court system. Young people are like slaves -- parents can even keep the money you earn-- though the courts will protect you from too much abuse or neglect. Parental control can be fought by. . .

Appointment of new parents -- Because of parental abuse or neglect or because it is determined that you need more supervision than your parents can give you, a probate or juvenile judge can appoint a guardian, arrange for a foster home, or make you a ward of the court. Once a ward, you can be returned to your parents, sent to an institution, home, or whatever else the court thinks is best.

Emancipation -- is the breaking away from the control and support of parents. Michigan law says emancipation occurs:

1. at age twenty-one, or

2. when you are on active duty in the Armed Forces, or

3. when a court orders it, or

4. when you are validly married, or

5. when parents release their rights in writing or by actions which show their intent to let you go.

Court ordered emancipation is, of course, rare but may be the only option if parents are totally uncooperative.

Becoming an outlaw--we're all out-laws in the eyes of America, but those under seventeen can be hunted down by pigs anywhere in the country as a runaway or a juvenile offender, once a court-order is obtained. Through the Inter-state Compact on Juveniles, all states cooperate with this, so you really have to go underground.

If you're thinking of any of these alternatives, check them out first with people at Ozone House, S.O.S., or Legal Aid. Washtenaw County Juvenile Court has its share of parentalism and adult chauvinism, but is one place to fight the juvenile system.

In the last few years, the courts have begun to recognize that young people are covered by some of the Constitution. This trend seems nearly over-the Supremo Court just decided that the states need not provide jury trials to juveniles (you still have a right to one in Michigan, however). If you are under seventeen and are arrested, you have the following rights regardless of what you are arrested for:

1. to be silent and not answer any questions

2. to have a lawyer present (which includes a phone call)

3. to be told what the charge is

4. to have your parents or guardians notified immediately (if they are in the same county)

5. to be released to your parents or taken "forthwith" before the court

6. not to be fingerprinted or photographed without a court order

7. not to be placed with adult criminals.

If you're over fifteen and accused of a felony, you may be waived from juvenile court and tried as an adult. Other rights of young people are. . .

Age 12-you can stay out until twelve (11:30 in Ypsilanti)

Age 16-you have no curfew (by State law and in Ann Arbor) 

women can marry if they have parental permission, women can make love without it automatically being rape,

Age 17-you get the constitutional protections given adult criminals, you can buy and use nicotine, but not cigarettes, you have no curfew in Ypsilanti,

Age 18-men are eligible to be plucked to fight the money barons' wars, you can marry anyone you choose, you can see X-rated movies, you can vote in all elections, local, state, and national,

Age 21-you can keep your own earnings, you can enter into binding contracts, you can use nicotine, even in cigarettes, you can use alcohol

--Don Peyote & Jim Florey