Youth

Study Contradicts Concerns About Increased Youth Cannabis Use in Legal States

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Las Vegas, Nevada – The debate surrounding the impact of legalizing cannabis on youth use has long been a contentious issue. Critics often argue that legalization could lead to an increase in cannabis consumption among young people. However, recent research is challenging this notion and providing valuable insights into the actual effects of cannabis reform. A recent study shed light on the prevalence of delta-8 THC use among high school seniors, a hemp-derived cannabinoid that is widely accessible outside of the legal cannabis industry. This raises questions about the extent of teen cannabis use in … Read more

D.C. Superior Court Hosts 25th Annual Youth Law Fair, Providing High School Students a Positive Insight into the Justice System

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WASHINGTON (AP) — High school students in Washington, D.C. had the unique opportunity to gain a positive perspective of the court system during the 25th annual Youth Law Fair at the D.C. Superior Court on Saturday. The event allowed students to engage in mock trials as jurors, witnesses, attorneys, defendants, and even judges, providing them with firsthand experience of what happens inside a courtroom. More than 150 students attended the fair, which aimed to familiarize them with the judicial system. The theme of this year’s Youth Law Fair was “The Ride You Can’t Afford to … Read more

Juvenile Inmate Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Abuse at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility

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SALEM, Ore. – A man who was incarcerated as a juvenile in Oregon has filed a civil rights lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. The lawsuit specifically names former Oregon Youth Authority drug counselor Emily Echtenkamp, who is already facing charges of sexual misconduct related to the alleged abuse. The lawsuit also accuses five other employees of turning a blind eye to the abuse. According to the man’s lawyer, Norah Van Dusen, the allegations assert that Echtenkamp engaged in sexual abuse while the man was in custody, and that … Read more

Maryland State’s Attorneys Rally for Reform of Juvenile Justice Laws, Urging Action to Address Youth Offenses

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — State’s Attorneys from across Maryland are urging lawmakers to provide relief from the state’s reform laws, which they argue have proven crippling since their passage two years ago. The plea comes as supporters of a new bill designed to reform the juvenile justice system make their case before Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The proposed legislation would enable the prosecution of juveniles under 13 for specific firearm offenses, third degree sexual abuse, animal abuse, and vehicle theft. Currently, those under 13 cannot be prosecuted for non-violent offenses. Baltimore County State’s Attorney … Read more