Q: Is it illegal for a teenager under the age of 18 to hit (punch/slap) an adult in the state of Tennessee?
What are the legal issues or discipline if the teen does hit the adult?
A:
Yes. Unless it is self-defense. It is an assault and depending on the circumstances, one could be tried as an adult and be required to serve up to 11 months 29 days for a misdemeanor, 3 to 6 years for a felony. As a juvenile you be committed to the Department of Children's Services and placed in a detention center until you are nineteen.
Bad idea to punch/slap anyone. You have a brain and the ability to reason. Find the courage to use restraint and words to settle differences. Think before acting out in violence. Pretty sad that you would even ask such a question, but at least you are reaching out for answers before acting. Tell the adult you have a beef with you are angry and why. Ask them to listen. If they won't find another adult that will. Seek someone from church, a parent of a friend, a teacher or counselor. There are many things you can do better than slapping somebody up side the head. An act of violence rarely improves things for anyone. Find another way to get the result you want and apparently need. Good Luck
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
