In 1967, the Supreme Court ruled children have constitutional rights. This landmark decision changed everything.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS PODCAST

- What the Supreme Court decided in In re Gault (1967)
- How a prank call led to a 6-year sentence for a 15-year-old
- The four due process rights guaranteed to every juvenile
- How Gault transformed school discipline nationwide
- Why racial equity in juvenile justice remains a priority
- How Gault sparked rulings protecting minors through 1988

In re Gault (387 U.S. 1) established that juveniles facing delinquency proceedings are entitled to due process protections under the Fourteenth Amendment. Before 1967, juvenile courts operated under a paternalistic model giving judges unchecked discretion over children's lives with no required legal representation, written notice of charges, or protection against self-incrimination.

The Supreme Court found this unconstitutional. Gault mandated four core protections: written notice of charges, the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right against self-incrimination. Called a Magna Carta for juveniles, the ruling reshaped courts, schools, and advocacy for children's rights across America.

Learn more about Gault, 387 U.S. 1 1967 by visiting:
https://kidlaw.org/2026/02/23/gault-387-u-s-1-1967/

Kidlaw Official Website - https://Kidlaw.org

https://www.youtube.com/@KidlawACNJ