In the Gault case, police arrested a juvenile for making obscene phone calls. After denying him substantial due process rights, Gault, age 15, was committed to an institution until he should reach his majority. The U.S. Supreme Court held that juveniles are entitled to several due process rights under the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, the juvenile and his parents are entitled to adequate written notice of the specific issues in the case. This notice must be given sufficiently in advance of the hearing to permit preparation. The child and his parents must be advised of their right to counsel and if unable to afford counsel, that one will be appointed. The constitutional privilege against self-incrimination is applicable. A juvenile must be afforded the right of confrontations and sworn testimony of witnesses available for cross-examination.
1. What constitutional right was Gault denied during the adjudicatory stage of the juvenile process?
2. What does due process require in the adjudicatory stage of the juvenile process?
3. Does a juvenile have a right against self-incrimination? Discuss.