What Are My Rights?: 95 Questions and Answers About Teens and the Law

by Thomas A. Jacobs

An essential guide to how the law sees minors, and-more crucially-how minors should see their rights. If you're 18 or younger, you need this book. You'll gain an understanding of your rights and responsibilities to help you make wise choices....Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D., attended Loyola University at Los Angeles and Arizona State University College of Law. He served as an Arizona Assistant Attorney General from 1972 to 1985, handling civil, criminal, and child welfare matters. In 1985, he was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, where he presided over delinquency, dependency, severance, and adoption cases. In 2001, he was assigned to Family Court, where he remained until retiring in 2002.

Genres: Nonfiction

326 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my students signed this out of the library, and I thought I'd check it out myself. It was published in 1997 but still useful; I'm definitely buying the 2011 version, which should be just as good but with added content about social media, privacy rights, cyber-bullying, body art etc. The format of the book was perfect for teens and tweens who want to know about things like emancipation, their teacher's rights to discipline them, mandatory drug testing, when they can drop out of school, and what will happen if their parents get divorced. While the book only in some cases gives a state-by-state chart (like which states allow corporal punishment, the legal drop-out age per state, etc.) it provides teens with enough information to do an internet search to find those law variances for their own state. For example, I was surprised to find out that some states grant step-parent visitation rights, and had I been a teen with a beloved step-parent whom I was told I could never see again, I'd have felt empowered to look into this in my state.

Almost all of the topics would have interested me as an incorrigible and self-entitled teen, and it would have humbled me a bit. It turns out, your parent has total authority about what religion they make you practice (yes, you DO have to go to church if your parents tell you to), and you really DO have to follow your parent's "excessive" rules as long as they are not in violation of the laws spelled out by the book. Turns out, my mother was not out of line; I was. Go figure.

I'd recommend this to students who are constantly feeling entitled to privileges assumed to be rights, students who feel powerless in a system out to get them, and students who have found themselves in the juvenile legal system (there's a great chapter that fully explains what will happen to them, all of the terminology, etc.) Can't wait to get the new one!

[Dreamergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was suprised to see no reviews on this book! :) Guess I'll have to be the first one:

This fast reading book, intended for grades 6th and up, is all about teens and the law on every question you need an answer to- from: "What will happen if I get caught shoplifting?", "Can I get my own apartment?", "Can my juvenile record be destroyed?" and much, much more, it was written very clearly and the facts were stated so that a young person can understand them. Just like the title already says, it tells you everything about the law that you might be wondering about doing, did, or are just curious about. It was so fun reading this, I read it in about an hour or less. What suprised me the most though, was that it was so interesting,very thin (about 250 pages) but still gave out so much useful info. As the Booklist review states: "In clear, everyday language, with just a sprinkling of legal terms, Jacobs presents useful guidelines and background on a variety of topically organized concerns related to teens' rights within the family, at school, on the job, in the community, and within the legal system itself." I couldn't agree more :) He is not a fiction, fantasy or sci-fic writer but is just as interesting (if not more) while giving you the facts that you need or will need in the near future (or at least your friends need :). Thomas Jacobs is a one in a million! Now you understand why I was so suprised to not see any reviews yet! I'd definitely recommend to people wondering about the law.

Interest level: Medium-high
Reading level: Easy
Grade level: 6th-12th

[Cathleen Ash]

This book is easy to follow and easy to read. It is broken down into chapters that address family, job, school, bodies, weapons, rights and punishments. It is also well-indexed. Under the "What are my rights?" section you can find out if you must wear a motorcycle helmet and the laws that apply - in 2 chapters or less! This reference is also indexed under motorcycles - making the book easy to read through - or easy to find a specific item. Interested in divorcing your parents? You can in Florida! (Right after you find out who really the right to 'discipline' you!) Good information, great resources (including many social service numbers and the Child Abuse Hotline) and is written with a quick and to the point style that teens will like. The downside? The book is already seven years old and a number of items are out of date.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty cool book. all the questions i asked myself were finally answered. it talks about your rights as a teenager .

[Aimee Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF YOU WOULD LIKETO READ THIS BOOK IT CAN BE FOUND IN MS.LACY'S ROOM IN THE NON FICTION BASKET.

[Lisa Courtney]

2 copies