The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most ratified international human rights treaty to date. Since its adoption in 1989, 196 countries have ratified the CRC, committing to protect children from violence and exploitation, and ensure their education and healthy development.
The United States is the only UN member state that has not yet ratified the Convention.
Many people in the United States assume that, even without ratification of the CRC, the US upholds international child rights principles. This assessment calls that assumption into question. On a state-by-state basis, we assessed how state laws meet international standards regarding four core child rights issues: child marriage, corporal punishment, child labor, and juvenile justice. We found that most US states are overwhelmingly noncompliant with international child rights standards on these four issues.
US History with the CRC
The US government and US child rights experts were instrumental contributors to the ideals and text of the Convention. Officials from the administration of former US President Ronald Reagan were very active during the CRC negotiations and proposed many of its provisions.[1] A diverse network of US advocates and psychologists collaborated with experts from around the world to provide input, culminating in the Convention’s adoption in 1989.[2]
Many people in the United States value the protections offered by the CRC, including the protection of children from violence and exploitation, and children’s rights to education, health care, and an adequate standard of living.
Not only did US officials, experts, and advocates contribute to the development of the CRC, but polling data has found that across party lines, four out of five people in the United States favor the ratification of the CRC.[3]
Why a focus on individual US states?
In the United States, many of the issues addressed by the Convention are left to the jurisdiction of individual states, not the federal government. As a result, the protection and advancement of child rights varies from state to state.
In recognition that state-level reform is an important channel for improving the US’s child rights record, this assessment grades and ranks US states on the legal protections they extend to their children on four key issues—child marriage, corporal punishment, child labor, and juvenile justice—and offers a blueprint for reform. All 50 states are measured on these four categories through an assessment of 12 specific state-level laws. See more about our methodology here.
This report does not attempt to assess states’ performance on all children’s rights enshrined in the CRC, which includes the right to education, to health, to an adequate standard of living, to freedom of expression, and a broad array of other rights.
STATE GRADES
The conclusion is alarming: US states overwhelmingly fail to live up to key standards set by the CRC.
Overall, 20 states receive an F grade. Of the remaining states, 26 receive a D grade, 4 receive a C grade, and not a single state receives a B or an A.
A (0 States) B (0 States) C (4 States) D (26 States) F (20 States)
AlabamaGrade D
Rank: #24
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Ala. Code § 30-1-4 ; Ala. Code § 30-1-5
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ala. Code § 12-15-203. Ala. Code § 12-15-204.
AlaskaGrade D
Rank: #9
Child MarriageD
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 14 to 18
Alaska Stat. § 25.05.011; Alaska Stat. § 25.05.171;Â
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Alaska Admin. Code tit. 4, 07.010
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Alaska Stat. § 12.55.125
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Alaska Stat. Ann. § 47.12.100(b)
ArizonaGrade D
Rank: #29
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 25-102 A
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 15-843
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
AZ Rev Stat § 23-232 (2020) and AZ Rev Stat § 23-231 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 8-327(A).
ArkansasGrade D
Rank: #18
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-102 (a) E; Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-103
(a)
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Ark. Code §§ 5-4-104(b), 5-4-602(3), 5-10-101(c), 5-10-102(c), 16-93-612(e), 16-93-613, 16-93-614, 16-93-618
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-318(b). Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-318(c).
CaliforniaGrade D
Rank: #30
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Cal. Fam. Code § 301; Cal. Fam. Code § 302; Cal. Fam. Code § 303
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Cal. Educ. Code § 49000
Cal. Educ. Code § 49001
Cal. Educ. Code § 44807
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
Cal. Lab. Code §§ 1293.1, 1294.1.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeB
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 12 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Cal. Penal Code § 3051, Cal. Penal Code § 1170, Cal. Penal Code §§ 3041, 3046, 4801
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Welf. & Inst. Code § 707(a) (2020);
ColoradoGrade D
Rank: #12
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-106; Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-108;Â
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 22-32-109.1
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 18-1.3-401(4)(b)(I);17-22.5-104(2)(c)(I), -(2)(d)(IV); 17-22.5-405(4); 24-4.1-302(2)(h); 24-4.1-302.5(1)(d)(IV); 24-4.1-303(12)(c); §§ 18-1.3-401(4)(c); 17-22.5-104(2)(d)(V); 17-22.5-403(2)(c); 17-22.5-405(1.2); 16-13-1001, -1002, Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 17-22.5-403.7(2), 24-4.1-302.5(1)(j); §§ 17-34-101, -102; 17-22.5-403(4.5); 17-22.5-403.7(6)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 19-2-518(1)(a) (2020).
ConnecticutGrade D
Rank: #10
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 7 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 54-125a, 46b-127, 46b-133c, 46b-133d, 53a-46a, 53a-54b, 53a-54d, 53a-54a, Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-46a(a), -54a(c)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Gen. Stat. § 46b-127(a)(3) (2020); Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-127(b)(1) (2020). Gen. Stat. § 46b-127(a)(1) (2020).
DelawareGrade D
Rank: #26
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Del. Code Ann. tit. 14, § 702
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, §§ 636(b), 4209, 4209A, 4204A, Del. Code Ann. tit. 11 § 4204A(d)(1)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Code Ann. tit. 10, § 1010(e).
FloridaGrade D
Rank: #8
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Fla. Stat. Ann. § 1002.20
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborB
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Fla. Stat. Ann. § 985.556 & 557
GeorgiaGrade F
Rank: #47
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Ga. Code Ann. § 20-2-730
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court and should raise the age to end automatic transfering of 17 year olds
Ga. Code. Ann. § 15-11-560 and 561
HawaiiGrade D
Rank: #28
Child MarriageD
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 15 to 18
Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 572-1; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 572-2
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 302A-1141
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 10 to 15
Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2; Haw. Admin. R. § 12-25-32.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 706-656(1), -657; § 706-669(1), (2); § 706-656(1) (2013), Haw. Admin. Rules § 20-700-31(b)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Haw. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 571-22(d).
IdahoGrade F
Rank: #38
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Idaho Code Ann. 20-509(1).
IllinoisGrade F
Rank: #35
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/203; 750 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/208
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
105 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/24-24
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 10 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
(820 ILCS 205/1) (from Ch. 48, par. 31.1)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
705 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 405/5-805 and 705 Comp. Stat. Ann. 405/5-810 and 705 Comp. Stat. Ann. 405/5-130(1)(a)
IndianaGrade F
Rank: #43
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Ind. Code § 31-11-1-4; Ind. Code § 31-11-1-5; Ind. Code § 31-11-1-7
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Ind. Code § 22-2- 18.40
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ind. Code Ann. §§ 31-30-3-4, 31-30-3-5. and Ind. Code Ann. § 31-30-3-6.
IowaGrade C
Rank: #3
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Iowa Code § 595.2 ; Iowa Code § 595.3
Corporal PunishmentC
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in all school settings
Iowa Code Ann. § 280.21
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
State v. Sweet, 879 N.W. 2d 811 (Iowa 2016)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Iowa Code Ann. § 232.45. and Iowa Code Ann. § 232.8(1)(c).
KansasGrade D
Rank: #22
Child MarriageD
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 15 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-6618 (2011)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Kan. Stat. Ann. § 38-2347(a)(1).
KentuckyGrade D
Rank: #16
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Ky. Rev. Stat. §402.020; Ky. Rev. Stat. §402.210; Ky. Rev. Stat. §402.205
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 158.444
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Ky. Rev. Stat. 640.040(1), (3); § 532.060; § 532.030
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 635.020
LouisianaGrade F
Rank: #36
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:416.1
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:223
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
La. Child. Code Ann. art. 857(A). and La. Child. Code Ann. art. 305(B) and La. Child. Code Ann. art. 305(A).
MaineGrade F
Rank: #39
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 19-A, § 652
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A, § 106
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 15 § 3101(4)(A).
MarylandGrade D
Rank: #19
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Md. Fam. Law Code Ann. § 2-301
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-306
Md. Code Regs. 13A.08.01.11
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
MD Lab & Emp Code § 3-213 (2019)
Juvenile JusticeB
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 13 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Md. Code Ann. §§ 6-235, 8-110
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 3-8A-03(d)(1), (4) and Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-8A-06(a).
MassachusettsGrade D
Rank: #5
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. 71 § 37G
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 149, § 56.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
MA Gen L ch 149 § 62 (2019) and MA Gen L ch 149 § 61 (2019) and MA Gen L ch 149 § 63 (2019)
Juvenile JusticeB
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 12 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Diatchenko v. District Attorney for Suffolk Dist., 1 N.E.3d 270 (Mass. 2013), Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 27, § 4; ch. 119, § 72B; ch. 127 §§ 133A, 133C; ch. 265, § 2; ch. 279, § 24
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. ch. 119, § 74.
MichiganGrade F
Rank: #42
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.51; Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.103; Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.201
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 380.1312
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 13 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 712A.4.
MinnesotaGrade C
Rank: #4
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Minn. Stat. Ann. § 517.02; Minn. Stat. Ann. §517.03
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Minn. Stat. Ann. § 121A.58
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Minn. Stat. Ann. § 260B.125 and Minn. Stat. Ann. § 260B.007(6)(b).
MississippiGrade F
Rank: #50
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Miss. Code Ann. § 37-11-57
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-157. and Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-151(1)
MissouriGrade F
Rank: #32
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Mo. Ann. Stat. § 160.261
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Mo. Ann. Stat. § 211.071(1).
MontanaGrade D
Rank: #20
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-202; Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-213
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Mont. Code Ann. § 20-4-302
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
NebraskaGrade D
Rank: #17
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-102; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-105; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2101
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-295
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 11 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 43-276(1) and § 29-1816(1)(a)(ii)-(iii).
NevadaGrade D
Rank: #11
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 122.020; Nev. Rev. Stat. § 122.025
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 392.4633
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 176.025, 213.107; § 176.017, Nev. Rev. Stat. § 213.085
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 62B.390 and Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 62B.390
New HampshireGrade F
Rank: #33
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 169-B:24
New JerseyGrade C
Rank: #1
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Corporal PunishmentC
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in all school settings
N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:6-1
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
N.J. Rev. Stat. § 34:2- 21.15.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
NJ Rev Stat § 34:2-21.17 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
N.J.S. 2C:11-3
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.J. Stat. Ann. §2A:4A-26.1 (2020
New MexicoGrade F
Rank: #40
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 22-5-4.3
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-2-3(H).
New YorkGrade D
Rank: #6
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
N.Y. Dom. Rel. Code Article 3, § 15-a
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8, § 19.5
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 7 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.Y. Crim. Proc. L. 722.10(1). and N.Y. Crim. Proc. L. 722.23(2).
North CarolinaGrade F
Rank: #41
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-2; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-2.1
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 115C-390.4
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 7B-2200.
North DakotaGrade D
Rank: #23
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
N.D. Cent. Code § 14-03-02; N.D. Cent. Code § 14-03-17; N.D. Cent. Code § 14-10-07
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 15.1-19-02
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeC
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-20-03, N.D. Cent. Code ch. 12.1-32
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
N.D. Cent. Code Ann. § 12.1-04-01.
OhioGrade C
Rank: #2
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
Ohio Admin. Code § 4101:9-2-02.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Ohio Admin. Code 4101:9-2-02
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2151.35, 2907.02, 2909.24, 2929.02, 2929.03, 2929.06, 2929.14, 2929.19, 2967.13, 2971.03, 5149.101, §§ 2929.07 and 2967.132
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2152.12
OklahomaGrade F
Rank: #48
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 43, § 3; Okla Stat. Ann. tit. 43, § 5
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 70, § 13-116
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
40 OK Stat § 40-72.1 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 10A § 2-5-205(A).
OregonGrade D
Rank: #13
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Or. Rev. Stat. § 106.010; Or. Rev. Stat. § 106.050; Or. Rev. Stat. § 106.060
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 339.250
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 9 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
§ 24; § 25
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
ORS 419C.352 and Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §419C.005(1)
PennsylvaniaGrade D
Rank: #14
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. tit. 23, § 1304
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
22 Pa. Code § 12.5
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
P.S. Title 43 P.S. Labor § 40.4.
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
42 Stat. and Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6355(e) (2020).
Rhode IslandGrade D
Rank: #27
Child MarriageA
✅ Sets minimum age for marriage to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
R.I. Code R. 21-2-39:3.0
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
⚠ Unknown - research pending
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
RI Gen L § 28-3-9 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 14-1-7(a)-(b).
South CarolinaGrade F
Rank: #37
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
S.C. Code § 20-1-100; S.C. Code § 20-1-250; S.C. Code § 20-1-260
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
S.C. Code Ann. § 59-63-260
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborC
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 14 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
S.C. Code § 41-13- 20.
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
S.C. Code Ann. § 63-19-1210(4), (5), (9) (2020)
South DakotaGrade D
Rank: #25
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-9; S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-10.1; S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-13
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
SD Codified L § 60-12-3 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14 without exceptions
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
S.D. Codified Laws § 22-6-1
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
S.D. Codified Laws 26-11-4.
TennesseeGrade F
Rank: #44
Child MarriageB
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 17 to 18
Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-104; Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-105; Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-106
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4103
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
TN Code § 50-5-106 (2019)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Code Ann. § 37-1-134(a) (2020).
TexasGrade F
Rank: #31
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Tex. Fam. Code. §. 2.003; Tex. Fam. Code § 2.006; Tex. Fam. Code § 2.009; Tex. Fam. Code § 2.101
Corporal PunishmentD
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Tex. Educ. Code Ann. § 37.0011
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
TX Lab Code § 51.014 (2019)
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 12.31, Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 37.071, Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 508.145(b)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 54.02.
UtahGrade D
Rank: #15
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Utah Code § 30-1-2; Utah Code § 30-1-4; Utah Code § 30-1-9
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Utah Code Ann. § 53G-8-302
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
UT Code § 34-23-201 (2020)
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Laws of Utah §§ 76-3-203.6, -206, -207, -207.5, -207-.7, § 76-3-209
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Utah Code Ann. 78A-6-703.2 (1)(a) (2020). and Utah Code Ann. § 78A-6-703.3
VermontGrade D
Rank: #21
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 16, § 1161a
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
21 V.S.A. § 437.
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13, § 7045
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Stat. Ann. tit. 33, § 5204(a) (2020)
VirginiaGrade D
Rank: #7
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Va. Code § 20-45.1; Va. Code § 20-48; Va. Code § 16.1-331; Va. Code § 16.1-333
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-279.1
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
Va. Code §§ 40.1-78, 40.1-79.01.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
VA Code § 40.1-100 (2019)
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Va. Stat. § 53.1-165.1
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Va. Code Ann. § 16.1-269.1(A) (2020)
WashingtonGrade F
Rank: #46
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Wash. Rev. Code § 26.04.010; Wash. Rev. Code § 26.04.210
Corporal PunishmentF
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 28A.150.300
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
Wash. Admin. Code § 296-131-115.
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
WAC 296-131-125
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 8 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
State v. Bassett, 428 P.3d 343 (Wash. 2018)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Washington Code section 13.40.110(1)
West VirginiaGrade F
Rank: #45
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
W. Va. Code § 48-2-301; W. Va. Code § 48-2-103
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
W. Va. Code Ann. § 18A-5-1
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
W. Va. Code §§ 61-11-23, 62-12-13b
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
W. Va. Code §49-7-710(a) (2020).
WisconsinGrade F
Rank: #34
Child MarriageC
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18
Corporal PunishmentD
⚠ Should prohibit corporal punishment in private school settings in addition to public school settings
Wis. Stat. Ann. § 118.31
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborD
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 12 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Juvenile JusticeF
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 10 to 14
🚫 Should prohibit juvenile life without parole sentences
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court and should raise the age to end automatic transfering of 17 year olds
Stat. § 938.18 and Stat. § 938.183
WyomingGrade F
Rank: #49
Child MarriageF
🚫 Should raise minimum age for marriage from 0 to 18
Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-102; Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-103;Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-105
Corporal PunishmentF
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in public and private school settings
Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 21-4-308
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in the home
✅ Prohibits corporal punishment in alternative care settings
🚫 Should prohibit corporal punishment in penal institutions
Child LaborF
🚫 Should increase minimum age for agriculture work from 0 to 15
🚫 Should increase minimum age for hazardous agriculture work from 16 to 18
Wyo. Stat. § 27-6-107.
Juvenile JusticeD
🚫 Should increase minimum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 0 to 14
✅ Prohibits juvenile life without parole sentences
Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 6-2-101(b), 6-2-306(d), (e), 6-10-201(b)(ii), 6-10-301(c), 7-13-402(a)
🚫 Should prohibit the transfer of any child under 18 to adult court
Stat. Ann. § 14-6-237(a)-(b) (2020) and Stat. Ann. § 14-6-203(f) (2020).


What a sorry state of affairs ! Here is a project on which UNICEF as well as the US NatCom should concentrate their efforts to redress the shameful situation. Perhaps it may even lead to the ratification of the CRC in the final analysis !! ED Russell we were told has an "in" with the White House and should be able to use it in this case for the good of both UNICEF and the USA.
ReplyDeleteHRW did an excellent job with this report and the report cards, but will law makers pay attention?
ReplyDeleteIt also would be useful if HRW would publish a similar report for the territories, which are even less "supervised".