Curfew Case

Naturally when children go into their teenage years they are given more freedom from when they were children. Teenagers want to be thought of as adults. They want to be free and want to go to the movies with friends, or stay at a theme park all day. But when the sun goes down and most common hang out spots are closed, should teenagers be able to roam the streets freely? Cities in America, including San Jose, have made laws restricting the time that minors (under the age of 18) are allowed out in public. Just like in San Jose all cities in America should have laws regarding minors' curfew because it will prevent minors to get involved with drugs and alcohol, to keep minors away from gang violence, and to take them out of dangerous situations during the hours of the night.

After 10 p.m. the world becomes a different place. One of the biggest fears of teenagers being out past 10 p.m. is that they could be experimenting with drugs or alcohol. When minors are allowed to partake in the nightlife experience without parental supervision they are put into a situation they are not yet ready for. Driving is the first major responsibility a teenager is given. Sometimes they are lucky enough have their first car being the high light of one's young life. This responsibility can put them in a lot of danger if abused. If there was not a curfew for teenagers they may find themselves experimenting with alcohol and getting behind the wheel. For example John is at a party with his friends having a good time. When the time comes to finally end the night, how will John get home? Since his car is already at the party he decides to drive home. This brings him to a big problem. While driving he sees a police officer, this police officer sees John and notices he is very young but has no reason to pull him over. So John keeps driving thinking he dodged a bullet. But suddenly, an older gentleman walks into the street; since he has been drinking his reaction is delayed and is not able to stop in time and ends the pedestrian's life. This is just one example of what could happen when no curfew is enforced. If a curfew was enforced the officer that had seen him earlier would have a well enough reason to pull him over and ask him what he is doing out so late. This could have prevented the accident and saved the life of the pedestrian. It takes experience for a person to understand what they are doing is wrong, and teenagers tend to overlook their abilities and put themselves in danger. When cities have a law to enforced curfew the police officers have the right to stop someone that looks underage. If they are underage they have the right to call the teenager's parents and have them picked up.

Another reason why minors should have an enforced curfew is to keep them away from the violent crimes of gangs. Gang violence especially in more populated cities is a huge problem. Gang members are required to have the gang's back at anytime and for