Hailey Lafeen
English Honors
Mr. Matich
1/2/12
Argument Essay
Argumentative Essay: Curfews
The Law: The Utah State Legislature enacted a law in 1997 that addressed a curfew to
minors under 18. The law states that between midnight and 6 a.m. minors need to be off
streets, whether they’re driving or walking. Also, according to the law, parents or guardians of
minors who allow their children to violate the law are also in violation. Violation curfew is a
Class C misdemeanor and may result in a sentence of community service for violators.
Teenagers should always follow curfew for their safety, and because it’s a law. In 2009
over 100 cities in the U.S. put curfews in place to keep teenagers and children out of trouble
and out of harms way. Juvenile arrest rates were compared for three years prior to the curfews
enactment and three years after the curfew enforcement. Data related to 377 curfew violations
and 83 percent citations issued in 22 police beats during the first year of implementation were
analyzed to determine whether the curfew was primarily enforced in areas with serious juvenile
crime or targeted low income, minority neighborhoods. (Sutphen)
Some parents and families use curfews for many things like keeping troubles makers in the
house after dark, keeping young couples from sexual activities, gang activities and to keep kids
safe in sketchier neighborhoods. Also, parents and guardians also get citations when teens
break curfew, which motivates parents/guardians to support the curfew laws and assist in the
law enforcement.
Others who are strongly against curfews laws feel “Teen curfews will not and do not
keep teenagers out of trouble.” (Peake). This evidence claims itself not true. Curfews will and
do keep adolescence out of trouble and have lowed crime rate in the United States.
In conclusion, I state that curfews are helpful and reasonable. They keep adolescents
out of trouble, and in a safe and protected environment. They keep our streets and
neighborhoods safe, and enforce rules to a “rule breaking” generation.
WorkSited
Sutphen, R.D. (n.d.). The effectiveness and enforcement of a teen curfew law. Retrieved from
http://web.ebscohost.com/
Peake, L,L. Teen Curfews 12.15.11