Schall v. Martin

The effectiveness and constitutionality of curfew ordinances for juveniles are highly controversial.

Cities with high juvenile crime rates considering a curfew may remain on firm constitutional ground. Dallas, Texas' curfew has become a model for other cities, reporting a 30 percent drop in violent crimes by juveniles since 1994. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the Dallas curfew ordinance. President Clinton has supported curfews, and funds have been appropriated in this regard. Across the United States, the percentage of the 200 largest cities utilizing curfews rose from less than 50 percent in 1990, to almost 75 percent in 1995.

Curfew ordinances have been challenged as unconstitutional by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), parents, and juveniles. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has not addressed the issue, some state courts have found curfews unconstitutional. Washington and California courts have rejected curfews unless it can be shown that their use will clearly correct a specific problem. While some cities have seen dramatic drops in youth crime, according to a survey of 387 cities by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, only around 30 percent of respondents described the results as "very effective."