Law Commons^™

An Emerging Right For Mature Minors To Receive Information, Catherine J. Ross

GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

This article argues that parental objections should not be allowed to block minors from accessing information from government agencies, including schools and libraries. This is particularly important when a mature minor seeks information that is essential to meaningful decisions about the exercise of autonomy rights that are constitutionally protected for teenagers, such as reproductive rights including the right to contraception and abortion. The right to receive information is also implicated where minors seek information to facilitate emerging identity choices that may conflict with those of their parents, such as religion and reliance on medical care. Part I analyzes the nature, …