Curfew case goes to Connecticut Supreme Court

The Associated Press

06.01.00

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut's highest court is considering whether towns have the authority to order curfews for youths.

The state Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that originated with a Vernon family's lawsuit. The town's law requires youths under 18 to be off the streets between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and after midnight on weekends, although it does provide several exceptions.

In their lawsuit, Janet Ramos and her two teen-age sons, Angel and Richard, argued that their basic constitutional rights were violated when police stopped, searched and ticketed one of the boys 10 times in 1998.

Town officials argued that the curfew law, enacted in the fall of 1994, has helped to reduce crime.

A U.S. District Court judge has already upheld Vernon's town curfew, rejecting claims that it violates the federal free speech rights of teenagers. Judge Alan H. Nevas said that while minors have constitutional rights, governments have a greater authority to "regulate the activities of children than of adults."

But he also referred the case to the state Supreme Court, saying "significant issues exist in regard to whether the Connecticut Constitution provides greater protection of these rights than the United States Constitution."

The repercussions of the state court's ruling are likely to be felt statewide. At least eight other curfew ordinances are on the books in Connecticut cities and towns.