RMP v. Jones

419 So. 2d 618 (Fla. 1982)

As counsel for amicus Florida Center for Children and Youth, SLC briefed and argued a first impression issue concerning the lock-up and commingling of runaways, truants and ungovernable youth (status offenders) with delinquents charged with or adjudicated on criminal law violations. The Florida Supreme Court declined to reform the system of mixing law violators with status offenders. The Florida Legislature followed by amending the law to prohibit this practice and established new comprehensive programs for these non-criminal youth. Co-counsel: National Juvenile Law Center.