Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D., was an Arizona Assistant Attorney General from 19721985, where he practiced criminal and child welfare law. He was appointed to the Maricopa County Superior Court in 1985, where he served as a judge pro tem and commissioner in the juvenile and family courts until his retirement in 2008. He also taught juvenile law for 10 years as an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University School of Social Work. He continues to write for teens, lawyers, and judges.
Visit his Web site, AsktheJudge.info, for free interactive educational tools that provide current information regarding laws, court decisions, and national news affecting teens. Its the only site of its kind to provide legal questions and answers for teens and parents with the unique ability to interact with Judge Jacobs and other teens.
Acknowledgments
Considering the ages of the teens featured in this book, and the writing or drawing that got them into trouble, I thought it important to note what they are doing now. My research assistant, Anne Johnson, used her Internet skills and perseverance to locate most of the featured teens. Thank you, Anne, for everything you contributed to this project. My appreciation is also extended to Susan Armstrong, Maricopa County Law Librarian, whose attention to detail kept me current throughout this endeavor. Special thanks to Natalie Jacobs, Mike Olson, Jeffrey Jacobs, Jon Davis Wiley, Ed Truman, and Parry Aftab for their insights throughout the writing of the book, and to my new Facebook and MySpace friends: Julie, Colin, Austin, Taylor, Candace, Natalia, Kali, Amy, Matt, Chase, Parker, and Alex.
Appreciation is also extended to each of you who were willing to talk with me about your case. The light you shed on your story and comments to todays youth are valuable additions to each chapter. Hopefully readers gain some insight from your experience and become better equipped to express themselves responsibly.
Once again, Free Spirit Publishing has provided me a forum to discuss an important subject. My sincere thanks go to Judy Galbraith, John Kober, Meg Bratsch, Jenni Bowring, and Tasha Kenyon for their support and professionalism throughout the creation of this book. Tasha did an outstanding job with the graphics and cover design, and my editor, Meg, worked tirelessly to polish and complete the rough manuscript I submitted. Meg, your writing and organizational skills are greatly appreciated.
And finally, my sincere appreciation to Mary Beth Tinker, Ian Zack, Emma-Jane Cross, Richard Piggin, and Kimberley OBrien for taking time out of their busy schedules to review the book and provide their kind words.
Do you have lots of ideas and opinions? Have you ever seen a book or website and thought, Id do that differently?
Then we want to hear from you! Were looking for teens to be part of the Free Spirit Teen Advisory Council. Youll help us keep our books and other products current and relevant by letting us know what you think about things like design, art, and content.
Go to www.freespirit.com/teens to learn more and get an application.
Other Teens & the Law Books from Free Spirit
They Broke the LawYou Be the Judge
True Cases of Teen Crime
by Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D.
This book invites teens to preside over a variety of real-life cases, to learn each teens background, the relevant facts, and the sentencing options available. After deciding on a sentence, they find out what really happenedand where each offender is today. For ages 12 & up. 224 pp.; softcover; 6" x 9"
What Are My Rights?
Q&A About Teens and the Law
by Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D.
How long do I have to stay in school? Can my property be searched and seized? What if Im discriminated against? Written in everyday language, this book explores 95 legal questions that pertain specifically to teens. Readers learn about the laws that affect them, appreciate their rights, and consider their responsibilities. Includes questions for reflection and discussion. For ages 12 & up. 208 pp.; softcover; 6" x 9"
Teens Take It to Court
Young People Who Challenged the Lawand Changed Your Life
by Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D.
Because 15-year-old Gerry Gault fought for his rights, every teenager in the United States has specific rights when arrested and charged with a crime. This book describes In re Gault and other precedent-setting cases that reveal the power of social action and prove that even teens can change the law. Includes cases, citations, laws, and discussion questions For ages 12 & up. 208 pp.; softcover; 6" x 9"
Interested in purchasing multiple quantities? Contact edsales@freespirit.com or call 1.800.735.7323 and ask for Education Sales.
Many Free Spirit authors are available for speaking engagements, workshops, and keynotes. Contact speakers@freespirit.com or call 1.800.735.7323.
For pricing information, to place an order, or to request a free catalog, contact:
Free Spirit Publishing Inc.217 Fifth Avenue North Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
toll-free 800.735.7323 local 612.338.2068 fax 612.337.5050
help4kids@freespirit.com www.freespirit.com
Additional Web Resources
The following Web sites were used in the research for this book. Each provides current information about cases involving student free expression online and offline. Most sites offer an opportunity to sign up for email alerts or news feeds.
www.aclu.org The mission of the American Civil Liberties Union is to protect individuals First Amendment rights, their right to equal protection under the law, their right to due process of law, and their right to privacy. The ACLU represented some of the persons in this book in their pursuit of justice. Take a look at the Stand Up! section for youth news and opportunities to participate.
www.askthejudge.info Ask the Judge is an interactive Web site about the legal rights of children and teens. It features current events, blogs, and over 100 questions and answers about young people and the law.
www.athinline.org MTVs A Thin Line campaign was developed to empower kids and teens to identify, respond to, and stop the spread of digital abuse in their lives. Take the quiz, get the facts, take control, and share your story.
www.cjcj.org the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice offers public education and research in fields of juvenile and criminal justice.
www.citmedialaw.org Citizen Media Law Project provides legal assistance, research, and education regarding cyberspace and free speech on the Internet.
www.cyberbullying.us the Cyberbullying Research Center is an information clearinghouse for identifying the causes and consequences of online harassment.
www.edweek.org Education Week provides the latest important K12 news from across the nation.
www.eschoolnews.com eSchool News offers a daily recap of education news regarding technology and Internet issues involving students and teachers.
www.firstamendmentcenter.org the First Amendment Center provides comprehensive coverage of First Amendment issues including coverage of U.S. Supreme Court cases and analysis.