Annual Survey of Virginia Law: Legal Issues Involving Children

The past year has been exceptionally important for children and young people caught up in the legal system, both nationally and in Virginia. Beginning with the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Vernonia School District v. Acton in June of 1995, the ensuing year has seen major shifts in the administration of juvenile justice, and in Virginia's approach to abused and neglected children. The passage of major juvenile justice reform legislation and child abuse legislation in Virginia at the 1996 General Assembly session exemplifies these changes occurring in both the society's and the legal system's approaches to children, youth, and their legal issues.