Question

In an effort to counteract a steep increase in juvenile crime, a state enacted a law terminating the parental rights of any state resident whose child under 16 years of age is convicted of a violent crime in the state. The law directs the state juvenile court to enter a termination order in such a case after the parent has been afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing at which the only relevant issues are the age of the child and whether the child has been convicted of a violent crime in the state. Is the state law constitutional?

Answer 1

State law is not constitutional in this case.

Step-by-step explanation:

By interfering with the right of parents, the state law presented above violates the individual rights of those parents and supports an overriding desire of the state. By injuring individual rights, this law becomes unconstitutional, since the constitution protects these rights, which are rights related to how people can make decisions to improve their lives and the lives of those under their responsibility.