Introduction and Thesis
Curfew for minors occurs as one of the topics that have and continues to create an intense debate across various contexts in the society. Often referred to as juvenile curfew, curfew for minor place restrictions on minors; persons under the age of 17 from being in outside at night. However, is of the essence that there are some exceptional circumstances that may allow minors to be out at night such during cases when minors have school travels. In the recent past, various individual have raised questions on whether juvenile curfew are constitutional. Those opposed to juvenile curfew often argue that such curfew only stereotype minors in that they create the notion that having minors outside at night would make them engage in crimes (Buford et al. 18). Despite the existence of such oppositions, there is a need to comprehend with the fact that there are various reasons that justify juvenile curfew.
Discussion
Proposing Views
The first reasons as to why curfew placed for persons aged seventeen years and below are justified is the fact that the juvenile crimes have become a major problem in the society. In the recent past, various juvenile engaging in gang and violent crimes have been apprehended by law enforcement officers. This shows that juvenile crimes have been on the rise in the recent past. The rise in juvenile crimes creates insecurity in various societal contexts (Espejo 28). As an example the rise in crimes perpetuated by juvenile gangs creates a society where crime is the order if the day. The issues of juveniles engaging in various forms of crimes that make the society unsafe can be reduced by imposing curfew on the minors. This justifies the need for juvenile curfew.
On another note, curfew on person’s age below seventeen years are not justified to be out at night, unless they are accompanied by an adult. Instead, juveniles should be studying at home or carrying out home duties at night (Buford et al. 18). Arguably, there is no reason that justifies the need to have juveniles out at night. In fact, it is not safe for juveniles to be out at night because they can easily be mugged by criminals who often opt to carry out their criminal activities at night. Conclusively, juvenile curfew are justified and should be maintained.
In addition, curfew in minors are justified on the premise that they help in protecting vulnerable children. Speaking of vulnerable children, this refers to children whose parents have neglected them. Such children are likely to suffer from crimes. In addition, such children are likely to engage in delinquent behaviours. The presence of juvenile curfew serves to protect the vulnerable children in that it reduces the chances of this children engaging in juvenile delinquencies that are planned and executed at night (Roberson 9).
Similarly, curfew for minors are good for the community. In fact, juvenile curfew is a form of zero tolerance policing that aims at creating a society where everyone is following the law. Imposing curfew on juveniles creates a society where low-level crimes that are often perpetrated by juveniles such as graffiti spraying are reduced. In a nutshell, curfew on persons below the age of seventeen years serves a good purpose of making the community safe for all.
It is also important to note that curfew on minors are essential in that that help change the negative attitudes that juveniles. Many at times, juveniles have the thoughts that breaking the law is a desirable practice. With the presence of juvenile curfew, juveniles convinced by the notion that breaking the law is desirable will be kept away from the streets; hence, reducing their chances of engaging in crime (Roberson 9). In the end, this will help the minors realize that breaking the law is not something worth being admired.
Finally, juvenile curfew are justified in that they support other initiatives aimed at addressing juvenile delinquency behaviour. As previously mentioned herein, juvenile crimes have been on the rise. Therefore, various initiatives aimed at combating this have been devised. However, these initiatives may not be effective if they are not merged with minor curfew. As such, juvenile curfew serve the purpose of supporting initiatives aimed at addressing juvenile delinquency problems (Espejo 24).
Opposing views
Those opposed to curfew being imposed on juveniles argue that such curfew infringes on personal freedom of juveniles, which is enshrined in the constitution. In addition, the opponents argue that curfew on minors only serve the purpose of stereotyping the minors (Buford et al. 18). This is because curfew are only imposed on minors and not any other populations. On another note, those opposed to curfew on minors claim that such curfew are not effective in combating crime (Harvard Law Review 2405).
Rebuttal
While the notions devised by those opposed to juvenile curfew are true, they are unconvincing (Harvard Law Review 2405). As an example, the notion that juveniles curfew infringes in the freedom of minors is not convincing in that curfew are only placed at certain time. In addition, juveniles are always under the authority of their parents; hence, parents should decide where they should be at certain times. Overall, the arguments developed by those against curfew on minors are unfounded.
Conclusion
The above analysis depicts the manner in which juvenile curfew serves the purpose on enhancing security within the society. In addition, curfew on minors educate the youth on the essence of adopting behaviours that assure societal progress. In conclusion, curfew on minors are justified and should be implemented and sustained at different societal contexts.
Work Cited
Buford, Amal; Cano Karla; Cano, Kevin; Frankel, Gabriel; Howell-Jack, Oluchi; Miller Ronett; Rodriguez, Ana; Sidransky, Jake; Smith,Olaine; Trombettas, Jared; Whitley, Tarissa. “Teens See Curfew as a Youth Rights Issue.” The New York Amsterdam News, December 2005; pg. 18. Print.
Espejo, Roman. Are Teen Curfew Effective? Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Print.
Harvard Law Review. “Juvenile Curfew and the Major Confusion over Minor Rights.” Harvard Law Review 118.7 (2005): 2400-2421. Print.
Roberson, Cliff. Juvenile Justice: Theory and Practice. New York: CRC Press, 2010. Print.
