Parents in Tennessee Can Now be Fined for Their Children’s Crimes

First posted: Friday, 06 July 2024

In a significant move to handle rising juvenile delinquency, a new law—the Parental Accountability Act— has been passed in the state of Tennessee, USA. As per this reform, parents could now face fines of up to $1,000 in response to their children’s unlawful actions.

The Parental Accountability Act: An Overview

The Parental Accountability Act was signed into law this week in Tennessee. The pressing objective of this legislative reform is to deter children from criminal activities and halt their potential progression into becoming hardened criminals. It is a measure to make parents accountable for their adolescents’ criminal actions, with fines potentially reaching $1,000 for repeat offenders. The final decision on fines lies with the presiding judge, who also has the authority to mandate community service for the parents.

The Lawmakers’ Perspectives on the Act

State Representative John Gillespie, one of the legislators instrumental in the enactment of this law, shared his insights. He acknowledged that every criminal activity has a starting point. It is rare for someone to promptly resort to severe crimes such as murder. Thus, targeting the root issue of juveniles’ misdemeanors is of the essence, which this law seeks to address.

Addressing queries on the harshness of the law, Representative Gillespie expressed his belief in parents’ responsibility towards their children’s actions. Comparing children to responsibilities, he made it clear — if you are not ready for these responsibilities, perhaps one should reconsider parenthood. Representative Gillespie also disclosed future plans to make compliance with this law obligatory for judges, removing their discretionary power.

Views from the Judiciary

Juvenile Judge Sheila Calloway was asked whether she believes the new law serves as a deterrent for juvenile crime. She responded optimistically, envisaging the Parental Accountability Act as having a potential impact on parents and young offenders. Noting that financial penalties for the parents might not always be suitable, particularly for those unable to pay, she mentioned alternative ways to curb juvenile crime. For example, any child put on probation is eligible to participate in certain programs aimed at reform and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

As the new law takes effect, it remains to be seen how it will influence juvenile crime rates in Tennessee. While its principles, objectives, and potential penalties are clear, the real-life impact of this law may not be fully understood until it is tested in courtrooms across the state.

Keep Updated

For further updates and all the news related to this law and other matters in Tennessee, make sure to check this space regularly.