askthejudgeThomas Jacobs
Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D., was an Arizona Assistant Attorney General from 1972–1985, a Superior Court, Juvenile Division judge from 1985–2001, and a Family Court judge from 2001 until his retirement in 2002. He now serves as a judge pro tem and as an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University School of Social Work.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Male
All Forums
Recent Activity
-
-
An exception for Zero Tolerance?
What do you think? Should there be exceptions to zero-tolerance policies on campus for drugs and weapons? Are there gray areas that should be considered on a case-by-case basis? If so, who decides where to draw the line - the principal, school district, and/or parents?
Posted 21 Nov 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
Finland, Philadelphia and YouTube--a deadly connection?
Share with us any thoughts you have about the use and/or abuse of video/photo sharing sites and the consequences of what some see as irresponsible behavior. Should there be limits on what you can post online? Why or why not?
Posted 14 Nov 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
What rights do I have on the Internet?
There are other incidents involving screensavers, email hit lists, web pages and YouTube postings that have gotten the attention of law enforcement. What do you think? Has this gone too far or should there be limits on what you do in the privacy of your home? Take a look at other cases on this site under "You and the Internet."
Posted 07 Nov 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
-
Text Messaging While Driving - a $400.00 Ticket!!
That's right. Phoenix, Arizona passed a law this week outlawing TM while driving. A total fine over $400 may be ordered for anyone caught texting while driving. California, New York, New Jersey, Washington and the District of Columbia already have laws in place with fines starting at $20.00 for the first ticket.
Recent tragedies across the country have other states considering similar legislation to curb the use of cellphone and other devices when behind the wheel.In August, 2007 18-year-old Ashley Miller crossed the center line while texting, killing herself and another driver. In June, 2007 a head-on crash in New York killed five teenagers who had just graduated from high school. Seconds before the accident, the 17-year-old driver sent a text message on her cellphone.
What do you think of laws prohibiting the use of distractions while driving? Is it common sense that amounts to legislating against stupidity as British Columbia, Canada argues? Share your thoughts with others on this important subject.
Posted 20 Sep 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
What happens when a parent dies?
John - it's difficult to provide specific information on this subject because every state has its own laws on the subject. That is why we presented a general statement. Many states set an age limit for a child/teen to have a say when a guardian is appointed, usually around 12 or 14 years old. You can check with your local library for your state's laws or call the state bar office for detailed information. Take care.
Posted 19 Sep 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
Thank you Marty, Mick and John for your comments - the site will be fully operational very soon. I am with the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona - it is a trial court and I am currently assigned to the juvenile division where I have spent most of the past 22 years. All the best.
Posted 19 Sep 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
Hold old do I have to be before I can get my own place?
Hello, John. Thx for writing - the rights of a tenant and landlord are spelled out in your local and state laws - when you sign a lease, it's a contract with both sides required to follow the terms of the contract. You may have a local tenant's association available to consult when problems arise. Good luck.
Posted 19 Sep 07 in Ask the Judge - Teens and the Law
-
I need to change my email and password? I don't see that info anywhere in my profile.
Posted 11 Sep 07 in Tangler Help - Welcome To Tangler
User Statistics in Tangler
Total Messages: 20
Topics Created: 9
Forums Created: 1