Module 1 Discussion Problem

Part A.

The cases cited in the text (Meyer, Pierce and Prince) have a common theme related to the state’s authority to regulate the family and a parent’s constitutional right to raise their child as they see fit. Identify and explain the underlying legal principle which justifies the 

parent’s right(s)s and the underlying legal principle which authorizes state intervention? Do these three cases identify an explicit constitutional right that belongs to a child separate and apart from the rights that belong to a parent in the family setting? 

Part B.

Does the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child place more importance on individual rights of the child or individual rights belonging to a parent in the family context? Does the Convention condone capital punishment for minor children under the age of 18? 

Part C.

Explain the overall purpose of the Convention in regards to its primary goal and whether the Convention creates binding legal precedent in the United States on either the State or Federal Government.