Adolescence, Discrimination, and the Law

Front matter

DISCRIMINATION, AND THE LAW

Addressing Dramati ié Shi fts in Equality Jurisprudence

ADOLESCENCE, DISCRIMINATION, AND THE LAW

Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Shifts in Equality Jurisprudence

2. The Nature, Developmental Roots, and Alleviation of Discrimination

3. Addressing Necessary Shifts in Equality Jurisprudence 4. Supporting Equality Jurisprudence’s Sites of Inculcation

Index

About the Author

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would not have been possible without the encouragement and guidance of Jennifer Hammer, senior editor at New York University Press. Several years ago, she suggested that there was a need for a thoughtful book that addressed adolescents’ rights in relation to discrimination. I was very intrigued by the topic, but it took me a long time to get a manuscript to her. Once I did, though, she quickly transformed it by obtaining incredibly helpful and insightful external reviews and even providing her own thorough edits of multiple drafts. I could not have been more pleased with her stewardship. I always was impressed by her care, dedication, and high standards. Working with her constantly reminded me of how wonderful it is to work with a press that really develops books and plays a critical role in both the creation and dissemination of knowledge.

I also would like to thank two professors, Alan Tomkins and Gary Melton, both of whom supported me while I was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Nebraska's Psychology and Law Program about twenty years ago. At that time, Alan introduced me to empirical research on discrimination and the way it could influence legal systems. I was fascinated by that research and always wanted to write about it. About two years ago, Gary helped create a sense of urgency as he invited me to give a talk on youth’s civil rights at one of his conferences in South Carolina. That invitation prompted me to think through more clearly what the legal system could do, and how it could benefit from our understanding of adolescence and the nature of discrimination. I cannot thank Alan and Gary enough for always finding ways to encourage me and support the work I do.

I also would like to acknowledge my students and colleagues at Indiana University and elsewhere. I benefited tremendously from discussing adolescents’ rights with undergraduate students who were introduced x | ACKNOWLEDGMENTS to the study of law for the first time. They helped me focus on key issues and think through why they were important. I also learned much from law students who had entirely different views of the legal system and what it could accomplish. I am particularly grateful to Julie Spain, Maurer Law class of 2014, for reading and commenting on the first few chapters. Cher Paul also helped tremendously as she read the entire text, provided edits that tightened the language, helped reformat references, and checked citations. I also would like to thank Bruce Sales, my colleague, who always is available to think through issues and keep my spirits up by reassuring me of the importance of what we do and how we do it.

My family deserves much credit as well. When I started the first drafts of this book, my family was half the size that it is now. My wife, Helen, and I now have six children: Lydia, Emma, William, Thomas, Henry, and Marc. As any parent who writes for a living knows, our work places immeasurable burdens on our families. I, however, benefited from much more than the time they gave me to work. I found no stronger motivation than thinking about the social issues that they face and will continue to face as the legal system determines how people treat one another.