July 18th, 2009 at 01:07am
Under Juvenile Law
“I think they’re stupid!”
This was the from-the-heart answer that I received from my son (that just started driver training last weekend) when I asked him what he thought about the new, stricter laws for young drivers in California that came into play just a few years back.
Then, after the “uh-oh, she’s going to write about this” look of realization came across his face he added, “But it’s probably actually smart because when teenagers first learn to drive they are all crazy, and then, after a while, they calm down. And it would be bad if they got a ticket and had to go to traffic school, right?”
I smiled at that answer. You have got to give the kid credit for trying.
“So what do you really think of the new laws?” I asked him.”They’re totally stupid!” he replied.
Becoming a licensed driver for those under the age of 18 already required jumping through quite a few hoops. Just to get a permit to drive, a young driver must complete 30 hours of classroom driver training, after which they must pass a written test. Once they have their permit in hand, it will be another 6 months before they can apply for a drivers license. But sitting idle during this time is not an option. In that 6 months, the new driver must complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training from a DMV licensed school and another 50 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction from any licensed driver, 25 or over.
More than likely, if you are the parent or guardian of the young driver that means that you have just become an official driving and traffic school instructor.
If doing donuts in the parking lot of the mall in the early AM with your new driver makes you a tad nervous, perhaps I had better not mention that 10 of those 50 hours of additional training must be completed at night.
Then, after they pass the dreaded written test and the always nerve-racking behind-the-wheel exam at the DMV, the license that they receive has strings attached until they are 18. The license is called “provisional”; which in DMV-speak means, “If you mess up, even a little, we will take it back so fast that it will make your head spin – and one wrong move and you’ll be sentenced to juvenile traffic school which will put a serious crimp in several of your beloved Saturdays.”
Here is where the newer laws come in which are, no doubt, adding to teen angst throughout California. For the first 12 months that they have their license, a driver under 18 cannot drive between the hours of 11:00 PM-5:00 AM. Previously the law stated that they could not drive from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM, with the restriction only lasting for 6 months.
The real whining, though, comes from the other updated provision. Now, new drivers cannot drive passengers under the age of 20, unless there is a licensed driver in the vehicle 25 years of age or over for an entire year after they first get their license, not just 6 months as before.
This effectively destroys all hope of joy-riding in the wee hours with your buds after you become a legal driver-for quite some time. Even better news for parents; a new driver can drive a little brother or sister around without penalty as long as they carry a signed parental note.
This was news that was especially thrilling to my about-to-be driving teenage son.
As a traffic school teacher and mother of a new driver, what do I think of the new laws?
They’re smart. Totally smart.
~
M. Pearl has been a traffic school owner and instructor since 1994. Her company,
InterActive! Traffic School Online currently offers programs to traffic violators in 6 states, including a
Florida Traffic School Online.
Her column on automobile driving is published weekly in newspapers of the various publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
In addition to being the featured columnist for the online publication NewCarBuyingGuide.com, Ms. Pearl’s work has also been featured in Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom magazine and the International version of Auto Club Magazine.
By Law Article
July 18th, 2009 at 01:05am
Under Insurance Law
Do we want governmental involvement or not?Several years ago, in California there was a huge push by the insurance industry to encourage legislators to pass laws requiring different types of insurance, automobile insurance being the most apparent. Car insurance is obviously something that is important to have. Few would argue against the merits of the purchase, but it may outside the scope of responsibility for the state to interfere in the lawful interaction of two private entities.But, the legislature and governor, in all of their wisdom, choose to become involved in the insurance industry. However, if they were going to mandate the purchase of insurance, they had to make sure that policies would be available. Companies registered to sell insurance in California were forced to provide policies, whether or not those policies were economically prudent to sell. Consumers in less risky situations were forced to pay for the more hazardous insureds. The providers would be made to behave in manner acceptable to those politicians. California had to set up a greater bureaucracy to oversee all of the workings of an industry that Sacramento had no experience in running. Politicians felt they had the right to make demands on not only the consumers, but also on the providers.Wait, cried the insurance companies!! Some of the demands were not in the best interest of either the customers nor of the insurance corporations. Too bad, open the door for the bureaucrats to start controlling a segment of the economy and decisions previously made by those with the experience, education and knowledge of the industry are now made by folks with motivation, experience and a worldviews outside of what might be expected for that industry. Fast forward to today. In times of upheaval (sometimes manufactured upheaval) there are many examples of entities willing to take advantage of our desire for stability and safety to grab a little more control. When we don’t know history, we are doomed to repeat it.From Briton, according to a Federation of Small Businesses press release, Mr. John Wright , National Chairman said, “We want the storm of recession to end and small businesses are the sector to see us through it. We have already seen some measures to help small businesses through these difficult times but we need to see more: we need to see the banks lending again, suppliers paying up on time and burdensome regulation being delayed.” That speech could easily have been made by our NFIB Board Chairman Timothy C. Clayton.I agree with Mr. Wright that small business will have to be the answer to the economic difficulties that we are experiencing. I also agree that we “need to see the banks lending again, suppliers paying up on time and burdensome regulation being delayed” if those actions can occur without governmental interference. When we open the door to allow legislative or administrative meddling, we have trouble closing it again when it comes to things like regulations, and oversight. Often times, we want the goodies when they are being handed out, but don’t understand that with the ‘gold’ comes the person that makes the rules. Those rules are made by individuals who may or may not have the best interest of the business owner at heart.Thomas Sowell, noted economist, explained that we now have a situation where people with no knowledge of running the financial institutions in this country (or many other countries) are putting themselves in the position of running those institutions. The same can be said of the automotive industry, the securities industries and others. Small business gets caught up in the very broad nets being cast.I truly believe that the best and fastest way to economic recovery is through small business success. I am not willing to gain that recovery at the cost of the autonomy of the owners of those businessesSmall business can only take care of our problems when it is left alone to do what it does best.Karen Dennison is helping small business comply with state and federal regulations. For you free regulations checklist, visit http://www.icancomply.com
Karen Dennison is widely recognized as the state’s leading authority in the area of regulatory expertise. In addition to providing education to business owners, she had been instrumental in putting those owners together with exactly the right professional they need to revamp their systems, bringing them into alignment with local, state and federal requirements. She gives them the piece of mind that they can withstand examination by the most diligent bureaucrat.
Being the founder of icancomply.com, Karen lives her passion of helping the small business community, many of whom have no idea of the precarious positions their livelihoods are in until it is too late and they are closed down. They have no way of knowing whether they are breaking the rules or are in complete compliance.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing, business planning, executive coaching and executive search, Karen has worked with law firms, information technology companies, banks, retail outlets, manufacturing concerns and others. Her clients have included multinational corporations, privately held small businesses and sole proprietor consulting companies.
Karen’s zeal and enthusiasm combined with her compassion for the small business community and her thorough knowledge of the perils of compliance ignorance makes her an outstanding interview.
By Law Article
July 18th, 2009 at 12:18am
Under Adoption Law
Writing this article for you was a pleasure, I desire it be likewise for your to read it. The idea of having a pet is something that many people reckon but they seldom take the various needs of their pet into account when they start the process to adopt a pet. These assorted people will just adopt a pet that they see in pet stores and at the pet shelters. Once they take the animal to their homes they are confronted by the reality of having this animal at home.
For this ground when you decide to adopt a pet you should see what kind of pet you have the ability to take of. There are many different animals that are appropriate as pets. These pets can include dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, love birds, parrots and fish.
While these are the main types of pets that people take adopting there are other people who choose the exotic diverseness of pets. These types of pets are snakes, turtles, hawks, and even lion cubs.
No matter of whether you are thinking of adopting a dog or a Lion cub the main fact that necessarily to be well thought out is the animal’s emotional state, mental state and the physical condition of the animal once you decide to adopt a pet.
As these various animals have unlike requirements to ensure their health you should talk with an animal vet or a zoo keeper or pet shop employee to find the assorted facts that are required in the care of your new pet. You will need information about their daily routines.
The feeding likes and dislikes of your new favorite will have to be looked into. You should remember that while some of the animals are carnivorous by nature they may need some veggie or green leaf matter for their health. These types of dietary requirements should be found out before you try and adopt a pet.
To keep your pet’s wellness and happiness at the optimal point you should control that you have the appropriate surroundings and accessories that are needful for your new pet all ready to use. You will have to keep in mind that some types of pets are not allowed to be kept in your home due to assorted legal laws.
These laws are in place as they deal with the safety of the many animals that should not be kept as pets. To find what types of animals are best left wild and free you can get hold of your local wildlife authorities or your local animal shelters. These places may be able to help you in this matter.
In clear you can find data on the procedures for caring for any wild animals that are found on or near your property. All of the data that you can find will help you when you want to adopt a pet and make sure that your pet has a good home and family.
This article was scripted to provide you with knowledge about the subject I value you Taking your time to read it.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:40pm
Under Immigration Law
Jerry EricksonPublished: February 26, 2009
On Feb. 16, almost 200 people marched from Manassas Park to the Judicial Center in Manassas to bring attention to a case of alleged police brutality against a local immigrant and to Hispanic immigrant issues in general.
The complaint that sparked the rally was made by a 38-year-old Salvadoran immigrant, Agueda Dominguez. She claimed that a Manassas Park police officer beat her during a routine traffic stop on Feb. 2 because she refused to sign a ticket for having a broken headlight. Ms. Dominguez maintained that she is able to speak English, but she could not understand the officer’s request.
In addition to protesting the treatment of Ms. Dominquez, the marchers were protesting local government policies enacted in the past year that they claim are anti-immigrant. One of these regulations is the 287(g) program of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows local law enforcement to team up with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce federal immigration laws. The 287 (g) program is aimed at deporting illegal immigrants who have broken other laws. Members of the mostly Hispanic marching group chanted for “Justice!” in a call-and-response format, first in Spanish and then in English. One protest marcher’s sign read: “Nadie es ilegal (No one is illegal).”
Although it may be unrelated directly, on the following day, Feb. 17, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, via a “Staff Directive,” eliminated a new requirement that unincorporated business owners verify their immigration status in- person at county offices to apply for a Business, Professional and Occupational License.
Now, instead of having to apply in person, these business owners will be able to check a box on their application certifying their lawful presence in the United States.
Many critics had decried the county’s recent imposition of this regulation as an unnecessary government requirement intended to make members of the immigrant business community feel unwelcome in Prince William County.
The county’s sudden reversal of its requirement of in-person certification of legal presence for a business license may have been the result of community resistance to a perceived anti-immigrant measure.
Just as likely, the county may have changed their mind because they feared that the in-person application requirement was scaring away some applicants and their tax revenue.
At the heart of the Prince William County and Manassas debate on immigration is the economy. Factions on both sides of the issues claim that immigration in recent years has had a serious effect on the local economy.
Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey A. Stewart had predicted that the current weakened state of the economy would prevent the county from addressing the increasingly controversial proof of legal presence requirement. When quoted in the Washington Post recently, Chairman Stewart said, “I don’t think anyone is going to have the stomach to reopen this right in the middle of a tough budget cycle.” Contrary to his assessment, the county acted to eliminate the in-person requirement at issue the following week.
Like Chairman Stewart, those in favor of tougher anti-illegal immigration measures often argue that by not better controlling our nation’s borders, the U.S. is allowing immigrants to take away the jobs of native-born Americans. They also often view increased immigration as a stress on our national and local benefit systems.
Those advocates fighting for the rights of immigrants counter that immigration actually feeds economic growth and contributes to tax revenues. On Feb.11, New York Times Op-Ed columnist Thomas Friedman represented the viewpoint of those who contend that increased immigration will equal a healthier economy. He pointed to smart, diverse and energetic immigrants as the source of much American economic success and job creation in the past. He noted that in the last decade immigrants founded half of the Silicon Valley start-up companies. Friedman maintained that protectionist impulses only serve to stifle economic growth by shutting the borders to some of the world’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. He argued that our faltering economy must be stimulated “with green cards not just greenbacks, and with start-ups not just bailouts.”
There’s no doubt that proponents on both sides of the question will continue to vigorously advocate their views, whether through legislation, editorials or protest marching. And, as the troubles of the economy continue to take center stage for all, it is certain that the issues surrounding immigration will continue to share the spotlight.
The above information is provided for informational purposes only. The information should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an engagement of the Szabo, Zelnick & Erickson, P.C. law firm or establish an attorney-client relationship with any of its attorneys. An attorney-client relationship with our firm is only created by signing a written agreement with our firm.
Jerry Erickson is the managing partner of Szabo, Zelnick, & Erickson, P.C.
www.szelaw.com and the senior attorney in the firm’s Business Immigration Section. He has practiced law for over twenty years and represents clients in numerous complex areas of immigration law. He can be reached at
jerickson@szelaw.com.
Jerry has been a partner with the firm since 1989. Prior to joining the firm, Jerry was selected for a Judicial Clerkship in 1984 to work for the Judges of the Circuit Court of Prince William County.
The Prince William County Bar Association has previously elected Jerry to serve as one of its members on the Judicial Selection Committee. He has also been selected to lecture on behalf of the Virginia State Bar on issues related to ethics and professionalism.
Jerry received his Bachelor’s Degree from George Mason University in 1981 and his Juris Doctor from George Mason School of Law in 1984. He has been a member of the Virginia State Bar Association since 1984 and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the International Business Committee and the Virginia State Bar International Practice Section. He is admitted to practice in the U. S. District Courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:38pm
Under Family Law
Family Law is a specialty that not all lawyers have experience in. If you are going through a divorce and having issues with custody you want to find an attorney that knows family law. This field of law can be complicated so make sure you find somebody that you feel comfortable with can do the right job for you. Domestic issues whether it is divorce or child custody touches just about every social class, whether you are wealthy or you are poor. This type of law deals with many issues that come up with in a marriage. You may be having an issue with your acts and getting proper custody of your children, a good family lawyer can help you with your rights.
Find Free: Family Law Help
If you are thinking about it not being a child you will also need a family lawyer who has experience to draw up the papers that you need. Also you can consult with this type of attorney to make sure you go through the right processes in finding a new child. There have also been cases where a family lawyer with needed to get involved when a child was a abducted from their biological parent.
Free: Divorce Attorney Advice
There are many reasons that you would need to hire a family law attorney but sure you find one that you feel comfortable with. You should always check to see if they specialize in this type of law. Many lawyers have a degree but do not specialize in anything specific this is not who you want.
Remember that family law can be complicated and if you are going through divorce or dealing with child custody it is important you find a good attorney. You should not settle for the first attorney you visit, it is important to find someone that you feel comfortable with.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:38pm
Under Estates Law
Losing someone almost always entail that they leave something behind. Specifically speaking we could gain inheritance when the situation happens. When we do it is important to be well oriented with the matters concerning the inheritance. Estate law taxes usually covers matters on inheritance. Currently estate tax laws are being subjected to different changes and are even facing a phase out. So it is important that you become well aware of the changes in case you would have to inherit something in the future. Some of the things that you should be reminded of are as follows:
Firstly spouses supposedly don’t pay estate taxes. Reviewing the estate tax law, when a husband or wife dies, the spouse would not pay any estate tax considering the amount that they would be receiving upon the death.
Since estate law taxes are now facing a phase out, the Economic Growth and Tax Reconciliation Act of 2001 was created to return more money to the taxpayers and relieve them of some taxes including estate taxes. This act suggests that estates that you inherit which is less $2,000,000 would not be subjected to estate taxes. If you inherit an estate in the years 2006, 2007 or 2008 and your estates don’t amount to more then $2,000,000 you would not be subjected to pay any estate taxes. However come 2009, they would lift the base up to $3,500,000 and in 2010 it is suggested that estate law taxes would be removed. Upon the act of the congress, estate law taxes could return and would give exemption up to $1,000,000 only.
Anther concern with estate law taxes is gift taxes. These taxes are a bit complicated and would suggest that you get an attorney to help you with the case. Since many relatives try to avoid their relatives to get to pay estate taxes, many of then try to donate their money before their death. However, when the money is turned over before death, there are chances it might still fall under the gift tax law. Legally speaking, a person is only permitted to receive $12,000 a year from one source before they subjected under to pay taxes. In a lifetime, a person is allowed to give out only $1,000,000 before being subjected to pay taxes. It would really pay to consult to a professional so as to prevent confusion over the matter.
Another misconception that ought to be discussed regarding estate taxes is life insurance plans. Generally it is stated in the tax law that receiving life insurances would not put you under estate tax laws. However, any interest a person receives through the insurance plan is subjected under the tax law.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:19pm
Under Entertainment Law
Just in Time for Mother’s Day If you have never wanted to play a little joke on your mother-in-law then maybe this gift guide isn’t for you. On the other hand, if there has been no love lost in your relationship and you want to make your mother-in-law’s life as miserable as she’s made yours, here are a few ideas to satisfy that dark side and have a little fun in the process.Complicated Universal Remote No universal remote, that we’re aware of, configures itself but some of these devices can drive people crazy. One unit that comes up below average from Retrevo’s value and user sentiment ratings is the Philips SRU9600 which gets mixed reviews and costs just under $100. Some users complain about the ease-of-use on Sony RM-AX4000 which costs a little over $100. You can provide hours of frustration and misery for your mother in-law as she tries to configure or use one of the remotes.Just About Any Wireless Router Dump a wireless router in the lap of your mother in-law, tell her all about the joys of wireless computing and then split. Just don’t answer the phone for a few days while she tries to configure the router to get it to talk to the ten pound laptop you recommended she buy. The Linksys WRVS4400N gets below average sentiment ratings along with the Netgear WNR854T. Save those phone messages too! They may provide hours of entertainment enjoyment to you and all your friends.GPS Devices Guaranteed to Get Your Mother-in-Law Lost Whether it’s a small handheld GPS or one on the car dashboard, GPS devices are supposed to make it easy to enter destinations and then get to them. The Magellan Triton 1500 and Alpine PMD-B200 show up on the bottom of Retrevo’s list for good value and ratings. So when your mother in-law complains about the GPS you bought her, just say, “I’ve never had any trouble using my GPS.”Cameras That Takes Blurry Pictures Buying a digital camera that takes lousy pictures may be harder than you think. Most cameras are idiot proof and some of the better cameras with image stabilization and face technology make it downright hard to take a bad picture. So providing your mother in-law with an idiot-proof product that can make her feel like an idiot is priceless. Retrevo can recommend a couple of real bargains in the extreme low-end camera category that will most likely take a less than perfect picture. The Argus DC1512 barely has enough mega pixels to be called a camera and can be purchased for under $30 while the Micro Innovations 3120 costs even less at $10.80 and also gets low ratings.Cheap MP3 Player Your mother-in-law won’t be the envy of her bridge club with these low-end MP3 players and they probably won’t sound that great either. The Coby MP-C756 MP3 player barely has enough memory to hold a few songs and doesn’t get the greatest ratings while the Nextar MA933A holds even fewer songs than the Coby and gets low marks for the display quality. One reviewer notes that the font was “too small for older eyes.” Perfect!Now Seriously Folks. . . We all know you would never do anything like this to your poor old mother-in-law so just in case you want to get yourself or someone you love the best values in gadgets or gear, you can find reviews and manuals for all popular electronics like GPS, HDTV, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, and more on Retrevo.com
A fun loving consumer electronic geek that likes to bring electronics with her when she goes camping, hiking, and the great outdoors!
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:11pm
Under Employment Law
âAssert your rights, from the time you are hired to the day you leaveâ, as the relevant quote relates, must be considered by every worker once they enter the world of employment. As an employee in the San Fernando Valley area, you should have this principle implant in your thoughts always, as your way of protecting your rights from unwanted employment dispute encounter.Since time immemorial, employment disputes kept on entering the realms of employment. The same scenario happened at San Fernando Valley where several cases of employment disputes have casually happened. These employment oppositions are likely to grow in numbers especially now, when the valley have become the home to numerous companies and most well-known motion pictures, recording, and television production outfits.As can be gleaned from statistical data coming from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in the line of systemic litigation, there was a significant increase of suit charges and filings. These charges were all relating to varied employment disputes like workplace discrimination.With this concern and through the medium of this article, group of qualified San Fernando Valley Employment Attorneys who are known advocates of upholding employeeâs rights have wage information campaign all for giving employees the right knowledge respecting their employment. The Attorneys would want to inculcate to every employee, the proactive attitude and persistence especially in dealing with their employment predicaments.In this wise, the Attorneys would illuminate some basic knowledge regarding employeeâs rights, in these respects.Employment Law and Employeeâs RightsAs a whole, both the system of laws (the Federal and State laws) has bestowed employees with specific rights at the workplace. Among of these rights includes, the right to be paid the minimum wage, to safe workplaces, right to take leave, for employee benefits, right on personal files, workmenâs compensation rights, right for a fair and equal treatment, right not to be discriminated against in the manner or age, sex, religion personal circumstances and physical attributes.Along with the foregoing rights is the right of every employee to make protest, file constitutive charges and complaint for any employment law violation, or any harassment or discrimination that may have committed against them. In addition, the employees are given the right to appeal the findings of administrative tribunals that may appear to have some errors in law application or appreciation.Of course, as an added guarantee, all employment disputes must be resolve in the most expeditious way possible that is free from bias and prejudice. All these were guaranteed benefits for all employees extended by the government all for striking the big gap and imbalance between the employer and employee situation.Asserting YOUR rightsHaving all the laws and guarantees, there can be no escape for every employee not to be proactive in dealing with their employment dispute issues. The law has been laid, the procedure has been laid, the administrative body or courts have been founded, by then, there can be no reason to sleep with your rights.Foremost, in every employment related concerns that an employee has, whether simple or complex, it all boils down in the manner of effectively communicating their causes. Effective communication of causes of action can guarantee success in their respective employment issues. This matter is the expertise of an employment lawyers.As a matter of advice, when an employee is faced with employment troubles, they have to learn the mechanics of effective communication as well as learn the steps in asserting their rights.
Thus, the guide:1. Once you figured out that your legal rights might have been violated, first thing, confer with your employer or the human resource department in your company and tell them the whole story. When your claim is grave enough to be settled, you can have your claim coursed directly to the proper tribunal.2. Have your claim documented in such a way that can have your claim substantiated with ease. This would include important details of your claim, correspondences, supporting documents and other relevant papers having the same import.3. Timely confer with am employment lawyer to have the proper guidance and put your cause at the proper perspective.As a final note, it is an employee desire to be treated and compensated fairly, at all times. To foreclose any maltreatment, every employee must learn to assert his or her employment rights.
Our experienced San Fernando Valley employment law attorneys can help you protect your rights and interest during employment. For more information, log on to our official website and avail of our free case evaluation.
Before becoming an online writer, Claysphere worked as a legal researcher, data analyst, and lyricist in a local band in his hometown. He has a degree in law, and worked for several law offices as a paralegal, office staff and as a researcher. He has continued to write topics relating to his learning in law.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 10:10pm
Under Education Law
Education is no longer considered a privilege. In most jurisdictions, ‘education’ is considered as an indispensable part of a child’s rights.
In the UK, education has always commanded a high priority in the society. The government, in turn, has always adopted a liberal education policy, as highlighted from the laws of the land. That’s why the concept of Home Education (HE) has always been an integral part of society in the UK.
Why Home Education?
Due to a multicultural and plural society as prevalent in the UK, the reasons for parents to opt for Home Education may vary. Some of the common factors influencing parents’ decisions regarding the educational needs of their children include:
Religious, philosophical, or spiritual compulsionsUnsatisfactory school systemLack of suitable schools in the localityTo meet the specific and/or special needs of some children, like those suffering from diseases such as Cerebral Palsy, autism etc.Failure of child and school management to effectively tackle certain conditions in school, like bullying, corporal punishment etc.Financial reasons etc.
Recently, the Parental Responsibility has emerged as one of the major reasons for Home-Educating children in the UK. More and more parents are trying to learn the art of true parenthood and are relishing the additional responsibility of being (actually) responsible for the growth of the thought process of the child.
Whatever may be the compelling circumstances, Home Education is here to stay, and is being increasingly preferred in the UK. An estimated 100,000 children between the ages of 5 and 16 are being given Home Education by their parents in the United Kingdom, and the figure is likely to increase in the coming years.
Benefits of Home Education
Home Education (tutorial-based teaching) has several advantages over classroom education (instructions-based teaching). Some of these include:
The child tends to receive individualistic and far more attention at home than at school. Comfortable home environment in the company of parents gives the child an ideal environment to learn.The absence of awe-inspiring teachers means quick feedback from the child to assess his/her learning capabilities.The Child can learn at their own pace, and follow their own curriculum and interests.Enhanced self-motivation and self-discipline in the child.Instilment of parental values instead of peer values in the child.Cultivation of courage to arrive at independent decisions.Avoid destructive competition in search of better grades from the peers and fellow students.Special children need special attention that can only be provided under home conditions.Above all, as a parental responsibility of teaching your child, nothing is more beneficial and satisfactory than to take complete responsibility of your child’s education.
Shortcomings of Home Education
One must also consider some disadvantages of Home Education before deciding the academic future of the child. Some of these include:
Non-development of social skills due to the absence of interaction with peers and teachers.Special expertise and skills required to teach may be lacking in the parents. Moreover, they might not be abreast of the latest technologies and teaching aids that might help the child learn better.Even both the parents combined may not know all the subjects required for the proper education of the child.Parents may ultimately spend a considerable amount of time equipping themselves with the skills to teach their child; thus, losing out on the chance to supplement the family income.Laboratories, gyms, and other facilities provided by school authorities may not be accessible from home.A child’s progress will not be adequately monitored, especially as they do not have to follow the National Curriculum or take SATs.
Home Education in UK – Legal Aspect
The UK is divided into different legal jurisdictions. For instance, there are different sets of laws applicable in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. However, substantially, all these jurisdictions follow similar legal principles and postulates, with minor variations.
Home Education has legal sanction in all three regions in the UK. Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 (England and Wales), Sections 30 of Education (Scotland) Act 1980, and Article 45 of Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, are the relevant legal provisions that provide the requisite teeth to the concept of Home Education in the UK.
Here is the summary of these legalities as applicable in the UK:
Only ‘education’ is compulsory under UK laws and not ‘schooling’.No qualification is prescribed for the parents desirous of giving Home Education to their child.Parents are at absolute liberty to decide how they want their child to be educated at home.No compulsion of following the National Curriculum or observing school hours.Parents must ensure that their child receives an efficient full time education, suitable to his/her age, ability and aptitude, and to any special educational needs the child may have.Parents are not legally obligated to inform the Local Education Authority (LEA) when they decide to educate their children at home. If the child has never been registered at a State school, or if you move to an area served by another LEA, you are not obliged to notify the LEA, although you may do so if you wish. If you are taking your child out of a state school in England or Wales, the head teacher must remove the child’s name from the register and inform the LEA. If your child has special needs and attends a special school, you need permission to deregister.However, if you are withdrawing your child from a State school in Scotland, the LEA must be informed.No special Government grants are available for Home Education in UK.No formal tests are required to pass by the child. However, the LEA may ask for information informally at intervals to monitor your child’s progress.There is no prohibition on the Home Education of a statemented child provided he/she is not attending a special school, in which case you need the consent of the LEA.Home-Educated children can take GCSEs as private candidates or as students of correspondence courses. However, it is not compulsory to take GCSEs.
To address the concern for social deprivation of Home-Educated children, in many areas, home educators meet regularly for social, educational, and other activities. Children also attend clubs, classes, sporting and leisure activities in the community. Children get to interact with people of all ages as well as their peers.
By Law Article
July 17th, 2009 at 09:02pm
Under DUI Law
Nevada Statute NRS 484.3797 allows DUI schooling or Victim Impact Panels via the internet. AB 209 would reverse that.As usual, many lobbyist and politicians hungry for the lime light all jumped on board this one, democrats wanting to appear to be tough on crime and the bleeding hearts telling their tragic stories.The actuality of the situation is that Nevada DMV has it’s own online course, as does a whole host of other websites. And, as if the DUI law as written doesn’t deplete the offenders bank account of lots of his/her money, the DUI schools further deplete it. And, if you took out the DUI school being online, you’d have the added cost of commuting to these schools. No one asked people who could barely afford their gas now, how they felt about bill AB 209. Everyone wants to demonize DUI. At no point has any science been presented to show that DUI contributes to driving impairment. In fact, the actual numbers of drivers in accidents and fatalities, shows DUI as one of the lower causes, if you could even say it’s a cause. The number one cause of accident and death in a vehicle is driver distraction: cell phone; car radio; looking elsewhere. Now if the leading cause of accident and death is due to driver distraction, does it stand to reason that maybe DUI isn’t even the cause of accident and death in those cases at all? Let’s take a look at something. When alcohol is determined to be present at the scene of a car incident, be it accident or anything, the police and lawmakers shift the blame squarely on the alcohol. ALL further investigation into the cause of the incident ceases immediately. So all of those thousands of DUI cases, which might have been masking some other cause, have completely and utterly halted any other findings. Think of all of the car recalls, or driver safety recalls that occur in a year. Is it possible that maybe we could discover those issues faster, if DUI was not thought to be the end of the investigation?Let’s go back to driver distraction. If DUI supresses any and all further investigation into the actual cause of the accident, then isn’t it possible that driver distraction might be the actual cause in a majority of those cases as well? However, there is so much money to be made under DUI laws that no one will change it. No one will go out of their way to investigate it further.Online schools for dui and victim impact is another cheap source of massive income for the city, state and local business that no bill will defeat it. Luckily for those that are living barely above water, this bill won’t defeat it. They won’t have to shell out extra gas money, and possibly starve, on top of all the fees they are paying for this DUI.
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