ABSTRACT
Curfews have long been used to control the movement of certain groups of people during specific hours and in certain places. Emergency curfews are often established during times of natural or man-made disasters and are for a short duration until order can be restored. During the early and mid-1800s restrictions were placed on the movement of African Americans to further control slaves as well as those African Americans who had been freed. The hours that juveniles can be on the street or the places they can be present have been restricted by governmental entities for almost 12 decades. These restrictions were established to protect juveniles from becoming victims of crime and to reduce crimes committed by juveniles, including gang members. More recently, states have implemented graduated drivers’ licensing programs which, in effect, restrict the times that juveniles can drive and limits their association with their peers, at least while operating a motor vehicle. In this chapter, we
discuss the purpose and extent of youth curfews, the arguments that have been put forth in support of and in opposition to juvenile curfews, and the legal issues and research on such laws. We conclude with the role of the police in curfew enforcement and policy issues relating to juvenile curfews.
