Appeals Court Voids ‘Gang Mom’ Law
A state appeals court has struck down a controversial “Gang Mom” law that held parents responsible for the criminal activity of their children.
The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled that the 1988 law was unconstitutionally vague because it did not define “responsible parenting.” The law allowed police to arrest parents for “failure to exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection and control” of their minor children.
Based on the California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Protection Act, it carried a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California filed the court challenge to the law.
Los Angeles Deputy City Atty. Bruce Coplen said the city would appeal.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
