Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

Children's civil rights in regard to obtaining statements

Is it legal for a group of children to be called into a school official's office and told to write their opinion of a teacher and sign their names without the parents being notified or aware that they were being asked to do this? Also, these documents were notarized, not witnessed by the notary, but notarized after they were taken. Also, if it is illegal, could you tell me which specific law it is that was violated? We parents feel that the children's civil rights were violated. Are we correct?


Asked on 10/15/02, 10:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan J. Braverman Jonathan J. Braverman, Attorney & Mediator

Re: Children's civil rights in regard to obtaining statements

This is a bizarre scene and highly irregular. The children were asked an "opinion," but they were not FACT witnesses to an incident. If the notary was not present at the time the children signed, that would be fraudulent.

If you wish to discuss this with me privately, please call to schedule a consultation.

I practice in NYC and Long Island.

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Answered on 10/15/02, 10:47 pm


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