Youth curfew laws are intended to protect teenagers from getting into trouble and harm by forcing them to stay off the streets after a certain time, but do they simultaneously take away teenagers' rights? Youth curfew laws have been implemented in every county in the United States. A curfew law in Philadelphia (“American”) limits the times young people can go out, varying by age and time, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mayor Nutter of Philadelphia reasons "...which will help protect our citizens, especially our youth," when talking about the ordinance. Fines for violations of the curfew law include a $500 fine against parents. Just as with all laws, people have been for and against curfew laws. These laws were passed to control teenage criminal activity and safety. Some say curfew laws take away rights from young people, while others say they cause problems with criminal records by accusing young people of breaking laws who have no criminal activity beyond staying out late. Others argue that curfew laws force teenagers to bond with their families, cause them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, reduce teen pregnancies and, most importantly, reduce crime rates. When the government tells people where they can and cannot be, it brings into question civil rights and, here in the United States, more specifically, constitutional rights. In cases where a young person is away from home while the curfew law is in effect, they may be charged with a citation, which carries a hefty fine. The problem with curfew laws is that they do not define the circumstances that allow a young person to leave home, rather they prohibit all activities and circumstances after the hours defined by law. “There are countless cases where fairness and justice say… at the heart of the charter… children's rights? You decide. In conclusion, curfew laws are attempts to force young adults to follow the laws by depriving them of the ability to leave home after set times. They aim to prevent teenagers from being in danger and reduce crime. However, they take away rights from teenagers, create unnecessary criminal records for unnecessary crimes, and are not effective. There is a reason why these ordinances are repealed one after another. Should curfew laws be implemented? I don't think curfew laws are very productive and helpful. Works Cited “American Civil Liberties Union.” American Civil Liberties Union. October 30, 2013. “Study: Curfew Does Not Reduce Juvenile Crime.” CNN. Cable news network. October 30, 2013. “Updated Curfew Information for the City of Philadelphia.” Updated curfew information for the city of Philadelphia. October 30th. 2013 .