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North Carolina Amends ‘Raise the Age’ Law: Certain Felonies to Send 16, 17-Year-Olds to Adult Court Starting December

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Raleigh, North Carolina – A significant amendment to North Carolina’s juvenile justice law, commonly known as “Raise the Age,” will soon change how 16 and 17-year-olds charged with specific felonies are processed in the state’s legal system. Starting on December 1, these teenagers will be tried as adults if they commit violent felonies, marking a departure from the state’s recent practices focusing on rehabilitation for young offenders. In 2019, North Carolina updated its juvenile justice laws, implementing the “Raise the Age” initiative, which ceased the automatic prosecution of 16 and 17-year-olds as adults for misdemeanors … Read more

Australia Sets Global Precedent with Under-16 Social Media Ban Starting 2025

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Canberra, Australia — In a landmark move, Australia has introduced one of the world’s strictest legislations restricting the use of social media among minors. Slated to be enforced from late 2025, the new regulations will prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X. However, specific exemptions have been outlined for platforms that provide health and educational services such as YouTube, Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, and Google Classroom. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the safety and mental well-being of young internet … Read more

Marina Set to Enhance Pedestrian Safety with New Parking Regulations Starting 2025

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MARINA, Calif. — Authorities in Marina have announced an upcoming adjustment to the city’s traffic regulations, designed to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections. Starting January 1, 2025, a revised provision under California’s Vehicle Code will mandate a no-parking zone extending 20 feet from the approach side of all crosswalks in the city, whether these are distinctly marked or not. This legislative change, initiated by California Assembly Bill 413, aims to increase visibility and safety for both pedestrians and drivers by keeping the areas near crosswalks clear. This measure is expected to significantly reduce the risk … Read more

Maryland Ushers in Sweeping Reforms: New Laws Bolster Public Health, Environmental Protections, and Justice System Improvements Starting October

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland welcomed a slew of new statutes this October, reflecting broad legislative ambitions from public health reforms to environmental protection. Notable among these is a significant alteration to juvenile justice laws and enhancements to public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). One of the more impactful legislations, named after Pava Marie LaPere, a young entrepreneur tragically killed in 2023, seeks to tighten penalties for sexual offenders. This law prohibits offenders convicted of first-degree sexual assault from reducing their sentences through credits for good behavior. It responds directly to the circumstances … Read more