In re Michael B.
California Court of Appeal
118 Cal. Rptr. 685 (1975)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
Nine-year-old Michael B. (defendant) willingly cooperated with police after they stopped him for breaking into a car and stealing a packet of cigarettes. When the police asked Michael whether he knew it was wrong to break into cars and steal, Michael answered that he did. When the police asked Michael how he would feel if someone stole something that was meaningful to him, Michael answered that, having never possessed anything meaningful, the theft would not matter. The state (plaintiff) successfully petitioned the juvenile court to declare Michael a ward of the state, under a delinquency statute that pertained to minors found guilty of committing a crime. Michael appealed to the California Court of Appeal.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Fleming, J.)
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