Youth curfew laws aim to protect adolescents from trouble and harm by forcing them to stay off the streets after a certain time, but at the same time take away rights to teenagers? Youth curfew laws have been implemented in every county in the United States. A curfew law in Philadelphia (“American”) limits the hours young people can go out, varying by age and time, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mayor Nutter of Philadelphia explains, "which will help keep our citizens, especially our youth, safe" when talking about the ordinance. Fines for violating the curfew law include a $500 fine against the parent(s). As with all laws, people have been for and against curfew laws. These laws were passed to control the criminal activities of adolescents and their safety. Some say curfew laws take away rights from young people, while others say they cause criminal record problems by accusing young people of breaking laws without having any criminal activity other than go out late. Others argue that curfew laws force teens to bond with their families, force them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, reduce teen pregnancies, and, generally, to reduce crime rates. When the government tells people where they can and cannot be, it calls into question civil rights, and here in the United States specifically, constitutional rights. In cases where a youth is away from home while a curfew law is in effect, they may be charged with a summons, accompanied by a hefty fine. The problem with curfew laws is that they do not define the circumstances that allow a young person to leave the house, but rather they prohibit all activities and circumstances outside of the hours defined by the law. “There are countless cases in which fairness and justice are... middle of paper... children's rights? It's up to you. In conclusion, curfew laws aim to force young adults to obey the laws by depriving them of the ability to leave their homes after set hours. They aim to prevent adolescents from being put in danger and reduce crime. However, they take away teenagers' rights and create unnecessary criminal records for unnecessary and ineffective crimes. There is a reason why these ordinances are canceled one after the other. Should curfew laws be implemented? I don't believe that curfew laws are very productive and useful. Works Cited “American Civil Liberties Union.” American Civil Liberties Union. October 30, 2013. “Study: curfews do not reduce juvenile delinquency. » CNN. Cable News Network. October 30, 2013. “Updated curfew information for the City of Philadelphia.” » Up-to-date curfew information for the City of Philadelphia. October 30. 2013 .