Problems in SocietyChapter 3

Sunny Hills High School

Business Law

Mrs. Larsen

Objectives Identify some problems of modern society. Define the doctrine of public policy. Distinguish among laws that protect against

drug use & domestic violence. Describe some laws related to property

violations. Explain how due process applies to minors

who violate the law.

Vignette, Page 36

After the Friday night football game, Grace, Jim, Ben, and Liz are on their way to Jim’s car in the parking lot of the Franklin High Stadium…..

Spirit of the Law

Some problems are more prominent– Drugs and alcohol

Problems cause criminal activity Legal Issues

– Drugs considered illegal substance?– Should abusive parents loose their children?– Licensed Juveniles be fined as Adults for traffic

offenses?

Crimes & Criminals

Public Policy– Expect Government to Protect People– Regulate health, safety, welfare and

morals

Drug Use

Use of substances that are illegal or harmful

Addiction– Person can no longer function normally– Requires regular substance consumption

Alcohol

Major chemical found in beer, wine, distilled beverages

Most commonly used drug in US Strict laws regarding sale Strict laws regarding use

Real Life Example

Nick Nolte pleaded no contest to misdemeanor DUI charges

© 2003 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

http://www,cnn.com 1/30/2003

Law in Other Countries: Saudi Arabia

Any alcoholic beverage illegal Beliefs of Islam

– Muslim– Book of Koran

• 5 Pillars• Prohibitions

Civil Code based on Muslim Law

Drunk Driving

1990 Supreme Court 4th Amendment

– Search and Seizure Sobriety Check Point Bartenders liable?

Drugs

Chemical that alter the mind or body Possession, distribution or sales Defined by laws Federal Controlled Substances Act Sale more serious than use Crime to give away Association

FYI

Public Roads Use Gives Law Enforcement Official Rights

– Test for substances– Speed Limits

Called Implied Consent

Domestic Violence

Any reckless or mental abuse between family or household members

Victims: Children, Spouses, Elderly Protective Order: cease contact

US Supreme Court

1990 6th Amendment Exceptions Victims may testify through closed

circuit television and out of court Defendants do not have to FACE

their accusers—Child Abuse Case

Harm to Property

Vandalism Shoplifting Motor Vehicle Violations Ignorance of Law is no excuse

Vandalism

Willful or malicious Damage to property Even the Lookout Value related to seriousness Cost of repair and fines

– Parents responsibility

Shoplifting

Form of stealing LARCENY Cost to consumers 2-3% Hard to prove--Intent

– Prima Facie Evidence– Concealment of article is intent

Carry Goods OUT 1 in 1200 are prosecuted

Real Life Example

Winona Ryder was convicted of grand theft and vandalism, both of which are felonies, for taking more than $5,500 in merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue

© 2003 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.cnn.com 1/30/2003

Motor Vehicle Violations

Auto licenses are a privilege Juveniles treated as adults Fined and possible revoked license

Delinquent & Unruly Children Delinquent Child

– Minor who commits an act that would be a crime if of adult age

Unruly Child– Minor who commits an act that would

NOT be a crime if of adult age– Usually result of abuse, mistreatment

or neglect

Parens Patriae

The state is the parent Government is

responsible for children when parents are not

Unruly children

Rehabilitation

Goal of Juvenile Court

Transfer to Adult Court

Age 14 Try juvenile as an adult Seriousness of crime, history,

good of majority, past efforts to rehabilitate, likelihood of repeating the crime

Due Process Rights

1967 Minors have same rights as

adults– IE. Remain silent when arrested or

cross examination Important because US

constitution is for all ages

THE END