50 Years of Gault

May 15, 2017, will mark the 50th anniversary of the landmark In re Gault Supreme Court decision. Join the National Juvenile Defender Center and its partners in commemorating Gault at 50 and championing children’s right to counsel.

What is Gault?

In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1 (1967), was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that ensured the right to a lawyer for children accused of crimes in juvenile court. The ruling also provided other due process rights, including the right to be notified of the charges, the right to cross-examine witnesses, and the right to not have to make a statement against oneself.

Countdown to 50

The In re Gault decision came down on May 15, 1967. In May of 2016 we launched a public awareness campaign leading up to the decision’s 50th anniversary in 2017 to ensure the promise of Gault is a reality for all children.

In re Gault was a giant step forward for the rights of children. Yet, due to inconsistent enforcement and lack of awareness, the due process rights of our children in delinquency court are not protected. We’ve come a long way, but we have a long way to go.

1million

juvenile delinquency cases each year

states have no laws saying how young is too young to prosecute a child

states do not restrict shackling of children in juvenile court

states do not allow jury trials in juvenile court

Upcoming Events

The National Juvenile Defender Center and its allies and partners will be commemorating the Gault decision in the run up to the 50th anniversary. Find an event below.

Oct 29, 2016 - Atlanta, GA

Gault at 50 Kick-Off Reception in Atlanta, GA

The National Juvenile Defender Center is hosting a reception at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights on Saturday, October 29, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Apr 21, 2017 - Houston, Texas

Southwest Juvenile Defender Center’s 16th Annual Zealous Advocacy Conference: Gault @ 50

The Southwest Juvenile Defender Center is hosting its 16th Annual Zealous Advocacy Conference: Gault @ 50 on April 21 and 22, 2017, at the University of Houston Law School.

May 17, 2017 - Washington, D.C.