Abstract
This comment discusses the history and characteristics of traditional status offense laws, demonstrates why the laws are a poor response to juvenile misbehavior, and examines proposals to improve them. In subsequently analyzing the new Washington laws that emphasize voluntary social services for rebellious children and their families, this comment concludes that the legislature, though implementing some of these proposals, failed to apply a consistently progressive approach to its new legislation. Inadequate protection for some children and inequitable application of provisions in the new laws may result. Finally, this comment suggests ways to improve the Washington legislation.
Recommended Citation
Thomas Neville, Washington's Juvenile Status Offense Laws, 2 SEATTLE U. L. REV. 170 (1978).
