Q: For Adolescents under 18 in Mississippi can a parent/guardian call law enforcement to take computers/laptops from them?
I was wondering if it would be considered a waste of law enforcement resources over a dispute like this, and it seems out of the blue for something like this to happen or be questioned.
I have a few secondary questions as well.
- Does there need to be reason or is it legal at all?
- Is there a warrant needed for such thing to take place?
- Is the adolescent protected under law?
Those are generalized questions, but I hope y'all understand what I am trying to ask. Thanks!
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A:
If you're under 18 in Mississippi, your parent or guardian generally has control over your property, including computers or laptops. They can take them away as a form of discipline, but calling law enforcement to do so would usually be considered a misuse of police resources. Officers typically handle criminal matters, not personal disputes over property within a household.
Law enforcement would need a valid legal reason to intervene, such as if the device was stolen or involved in a crime. Without a court order or warrant, police do not have the right to seize property from a minor simply because a parent requests it. If an officer were to take a laptop without proper legal grounds, it could raise constitutional concerns about unreasonable searches and seizures.
Minors do have some legal protections, especially regarding privacy and personal property in certain situations. However, parental rights are strong, and the law often sides with guardians in household disputes. If a parent abuses their authority or tries to involve law enforcement in an unjust way, it might be best to seek legal advice or mediation instead of escalating the situation.
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