Details of the Case:
Gerald Francis Gault , of 15 years, was arrested after allegedly making obscene phone calls. Gerald was then arrested, had previously been on probation, giving enough evidence. Geralds paretns were not told of their son being arrested, for they were at work when this happened. After proceedings before a juvenile court judge, Gerald was committed to the State Industrial School until he reached the age of 21.
Gerald Francis Gault , of 15 years, was arrested after allegedly making obscene phone calls. Gerald was then arrested, had previously been on probation, giving enough evidence. Geralds paretns were not told of their son being arrested, for they were at work when this happened. After proceedings before a juvenile court judge, Gerald was committed to the State Industrial School until he reached the age of 21.
Constitutional Question:
Was the inadequate notice of charges as well as notifying to both parents and childto right of council, against the 14th amendment?
Was the inadequate notice of charges as well as notifying to both parents and childto right of council, against the 14th amendment?
Decision:
8 votes for Gault and 1 vote against
8 votes for Gault and 1 vote against
Lasting Effect:
The Court held that the proceedings for juveniles had to comply with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment. These requirements included adequate notice of charges, notification of both the parents and the child of the juvenile's right to counsel, opportunity for confrontation and cross- examination at the hearings, and adequate safeguards against self- incrimination.
The Court held that the proceedings for juveniles had to comply with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment. These requirements included adequate notice of charges, notification of both the parents and the child of the juvenile's right to counsel, opportunity for confrontation and cross- examination at the hearings, and adequate safeguards against self- incrimination.