Decision
In an 8-1 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Gault’s commitment to the State Industrial School was a violation of the 14th Amendment since he had been denied the right to an attorney, had not been formally notified of the charges against him, had not been informed of his right against self-incrimination, and had no opportunity to confront his accusers. Justice Potter Stewart was the sole dissenter. He argued that the purpose of juvenile court was correction, not punishment, and the constitutional procedural safeguards for criminal trials should not apply to juvenile trials.
Read more about this topic: In Re Gault
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