Legal

There are many types of laws, varying from place to place, that can have a major impact on the lives of people who lack housing. These laws are interpreted, in terms of enforcement, by the police who can use their discretion in deciding when and how to charge people. Here are a few examples from Canada of the types of laws that affect street involved youth:

• "Safe Streets"Acts affects the most vulnerable people within society including children, the elderly and the homeless. Individuals are not allowed to solicit (ask for change) on the sidewalks, in front of stores or on road medians. If they do so police can arrest or fine them for doing so. Squeegeeing and Panhandling is a summary offence (B.C & Ont.)
  
  
• Trespass Act
  
  
• Safer Community Act; Gives the police the authority to evict people who they suspect of criminal activity (N.S)
  
  
• Protection of Property Act; If an owner of a property gives tells you you're not allowed there than the police have the right to make you leave said property.
  
  
• The Criminal Code- this involves causing a disturbance, intoxicated in public, assault
  
  
• Different Municipal By-laws (dogs must be on a leash, drinking in public, Motor Vehicle Act, Flying a sign without a permit)

It refers to obtaining legal independence from your parents or guardians before the "age of majority," in your county or province. The rules and procedures regarding emancipation vary from place to place. For more information in Canada call the Kid's Help Phone Kids Help Phone any day and at any time of day (1-800-668-6868), you can call in the U.S. the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-4000 or the Covenant House Nineline at 800-999-9999. For U.S. information, see also Juvenile Law Center.

"Age of majority" refers to the age at which you are legally considered independent (i.e., an adult). This too ranges from place to place. For ages around the world see Wikipedia.

The legal system is generally complicated and how it works depends on where you are. This website, from Alberta, can give you a general sense of the terms involved and how a legal system typically works: Criminal charges. The best thing to do is to talk to a lawyer. For free legal aid in Canada see CanLaw and in the United States see IntraSpec.

You should also know that, in some areas and situations, you may be able to get a "pardon" and get your "record expunged". This means that your criminal record would be less accessible and could assist with finding employment. For information about pardons in Canada go to http://www.pardons.org/, and in the U.S. contact your local state or federal court for instructions.

Refugee/Immigration law is another aspect of the legal system that you might be involved with. If you are not a citizen of the country you are in and you face being deported or restrictions to your ability to work and live in that country, you might need legal help to get a more secure legal status. A few things you could do are to:

• Contact legal aid in your area
  
  
• Contact a centre/service in your area specific to your ethnicity/country of origin and ask for assistance
  
  
• Visit this website for Canadian information Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and this website for U.S. information USCIS.