In Re Gault
Background
On June 8, 1964, fifteen year old Gerald Gault was arrested for making an inappropriate phone call to a neighbor. They arrested him without notifying his parents. When his mom returned home he was missing, she finally found him at county Children Detention Home, but could not take him home. According to Gault, his friend Ronald Lewis asked to use his phone while he was getting ready for work. Gault said that he heard him using all the vulgar language. Then Gault hung up the phone and told Lewis to get out.
Constitutional Question
The amendment that was in question was the 6th which has to do with trying a minor. McGhee said that the minor is a delinquent child and is only 15 years old.
Lasting Effect
With no witness being sworn in and the court not making a transcript for either of the hearings, Gault was not punished and let go. He could not be sent the State Industrial school.
On June 8, 1964, fifteen year old Gerald Gault was arrested for making an inappropriate phone call to a neighbor. They arrested him without notifying his parents. When his mom returned home he was missing, she finally found him at county Children Detention Home, but could not take him home. According to Gault, his friend Ronald Lewis asked to use his phone while he was getting ready for work. Gault said that he heard him using all the vulgar language. Then Gault hung up the phone and told Lewis to get out.
Constitutional Question
The amendment that was in question was the 6th which has to do with trying a minor. McGhee said that the minor is a delinquent child and is only 15 years old.
Lasting Effect
With no witness being sworn in and the court not making a transcript for either of the hearings, Gault was not punished and let go. He could not be sent the State Industrial school.