What did the US Supreme Court establish in the case of In re Gault?

In the case of In re Gault, the US Supreme Court ruled that minors, specifically those involved in juvenile court proceedings, have the same constitutional rights as adults, particularly in regard to due process. This landmark decision highlighted the importance of ensuring that young individuals are afforded legal protections, including the right to notice of charges, the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the privilege against self-incrimination.

This ruling stemmed from the recognition that juvenile court procedures often did not provide adequate protections for minors compared to adult court systems. By affirming that minors should receive the same constitutional rights, the Court aimed to foster a fairer juvenile justice system that respects the legal rights of all individuals, regardless of age. The decision fundamentally changed the landscape of juvenile law and emphasized the necessity of upholding due process rights for minors in judicial proceedings.