children's rights

The term "child" does not necessarily mean a minor, and can include adult children as well as adult non-dependent children. Children are generally afforded the basic rights embodied by the Constitution.

The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment is said to apply to children, but excludes those not yet born. There are both state and federal sources of children’s-rights law. In other words, a child has many of the same constitutional rights as an adult has; however, if a child is under 18 years old, they do not have the right to vote.

[Last updated in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Federal Material

Federal Statutes

25 U.S.C., Ch. 21 - Indian Child Welfare Act
42 U.S.C. § 1983 - Civil Rights of Children
42 U.S.C., Ch. 67 - Child Abuse Prevention and Adoption Reform Act
42 U.S.C., Ch. 7 - Social Security Act
42 U.S.C., Ch. 6 - The Children's Bureau

Federal Judicial Decisions

U.S. Supreme Court:
- Recent Decisions Involving Children
- Historic Decisions Involving Children
U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals: Recent Decisions Involving Children

State Material

State Statutes

Uniform Laws Dealing with Children -- including:
- Uniform Parentage Act
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (Adopted in All States and the District of Columbia)
State Laws on Emancipation
State Family Law Statutes

State Judicial Decisions

N.Y. Court of Appeals:
- Decisions Regarding Children
- Commentary from liibulletin-ny
Appellate Decisions from Other States

International Material

Conventions and Treaties

Key Internet Sources

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