Legal Rights & Responsibilities BUSINESS LAW
Today s Objectives Identify the legal rights & responsibilities of citizens / non-citizens Compare the legal rights and responsibilities of minors and adults
U.S. Citizens
What makes you a citizen? Born in the United States Born to parents who are U.S. citizens
Citizens of the U.S. Enjoy all freedoms, protections, and legal rights promised by the Constitution
Becoming a Citizen People from foreign countries can become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process. People who were not born as citizens but who become citizens are known as naturalized citizens.
Requirements to Becoming a Citizen LOOK IT UP 1. 4. 2. 5. 3. 6.
Requirements to Becoming a Citizen Be at least 18 years old Live in the U.S. as a legal resident for at least 5 yrs. Be of good moral character and loyal to the U.S. Be able to read, write, speak, & understand basic English Have basic knowledge and understanding of the history, government, and Constitution of the U.S. Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the U.S.
The Naturalization Process 1. Non-citizens file an application 2. Take a naturalization examination 3. Appear for a court hearing
Non-Citizens
Non-Citizens include Aliens people who are permanent residents of a country but do not hold citizenship Nationals natives of American territories
Resident Aliens Emigrated from a foreign country and legally reside in the U.S. with a green card Receive the same treatment of citizens with regard to the inalienable rights of the Constitution Green cards are for Adoption Employment Investment Marriage Relative
Alien Rights Receive the following rights as long as they do not interfere with national security, public safety, U.S. laws, customs of citizens Leave country Expression / assembly Work & own property Bring spouse or dependent children to U.S. from another country Social services, education, social security No political (voting) rights
Nationals & Their Rights Live in U.S. territories Do not have full political rights Enjoy all legal protections afforded to citizens
Illegal Immigrants Aliens who have entered the United States without government permission or stayed beyond the termination date of a visa (green card) Subject to deportation
Minors vs. Adults
Who is considered a minor? A minor is a person who has not yet reached the age of adulthood. The age of majority is 18 in most states. Age 19 in 2 states which ones? Age 21 in 1 state which?
Minors An emancipated minor is one who is no longer under the legal control of his or her parents. Automatically emancipated if married or independent Minors who claim to be adults are committing fraud.
Rights and Duties of Minors Driving is a privilege, not a right Must be earned then kept under conditions of good behavior Usually states will not permit licensure under the age of 16 Minors as Students May be searched in school if officials have reason to suspect the law or a school rule has been broken Freedom of speech/expression may be restrained in schoolsponsored settings
Rights of Adults but not Minors
Minors & the Law Juvenile courts deal with offenders who are minors Most juvenile matters are sealed (not open to the general public) Hearings are often more informal No right to a trial by jury No right to be released on bail May be convicted as an adult if there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Other Differences Possession Driving Privileges Contracts Contracts made by minors are voidable by the minor For this reason, minors are usually not allowed to enter into contracts
Explain the Difference 1. Choose Possession (Alcohol) or Driving Privileges 2. Choose a state: Virginia, Maryland, etc. 3. Tell me in an informative flyer: How are the laws different for minors vs. adults? What happens if the laws are broken? Add graphics / make it visually appealing!