Myth or Fact
Myth
Students have zero constitutional rights while they are at school.
False. Children have freedom of speech, religion, and privacy from unreasonable searches and seizures.
"Police always have to read you your Miranda rights the second they arrest you."
Myth! Miranda primarily matters before custodial interrogation, NOT arrest.
True or False: Something you delete from social media is guaranteed to be gone forver.
False. Screenshots and saved copies may still exist.
True or false: If you are under 18, there can be special laws limiting when and how long you can work.
True.
True or false: If you're under 18, you can't go to adult jail.
False. In Florida, you can be "direct filed" to adult criminal court. Children as young as 12 have been direct filed via grand jury indictments.
Does a resource officer need probable cause to search a student?
No. School resource officers generally only need "reasonable suspicion" on school grounds.
You are walking down the street and a police officer asks, "Can I talk to you?" Do you always have to stay and answer questions?
No. You can ask, "Am I free to leave?" If the officer says yes, you may leave.
Someone sends you a threatening DM. What is usually smarter: delete it or save it?
Save it, it could be used as evidence!
Can an employer keep all the tips because they own the restaurant?
Generally, no.
If I stay silent, the police have to assume I want a lawyer.
Myth.
A student criticizes the principal on social media from home. Can the school automatically punish the student because the post is disrespectful?
No. Off-campus speech receives significant protection, although schools can sometimes act when speech creates serious school-related problems.
True or False: If police stop you, you have to explain where you are going and what you are doing.
Generally false! You may have identification obligations in some circumstances, but you genereally do not have to answer investigative questions.
Can something you post online potentially be used as evidence in a court case?
Yes. Think Young Thug and James Garfield Broadnax.
Your employer says you must give back part of your paycheck because business was slow. Is that automatically allowed?
No.
Anything I tell my lawyer can automatically be repeated in court.
Myth. Attorney-client confidentiality and privilege provide a lot of protections.
Yes. School parking lots are legally considered school property and this scenario can trigger catching a charge.
What phrase can you use if police want to search your backpack, car, house, or belongings, and you do not want to give permission?
"I do not consent to a search."
True or false: Because a social-media account is "private," nothing posted there could ever reach police, a school, an employer, or a court.
False
Your roommate moves out early and stops paying their share of the rent. Does that automatically mean you only have to pay your half?
It depends (sorry) on the lease. If you both signed the same lease, the landlord may be able to hold either tenant responsible for the full rent.
Signing a contract without reading it usually means I am not bound by it.
Myth.
True or false: A school can search your phone whenever it wants just because you brought it onto campus.
False. The circumstances and justifications for the search matter.
If you tell police, "I think maybe I should get a lawyer," have you clearly invoked your right to counsel?
Nope. It is better to be as clear as possible!
Someone threatens to post an embarrassing photo or private message unless you send them money or do what they say. What should you do instead of paying or giving in?
Save the messages and evidence, stop engaging if it is safe to do so, tell a trusted adult or other support person, and consider reporting it to the platform or law enforcement.
Your landlord tells you that you have to move out tomorrow because you are behind on rent. Can the landlord change the locks and throw your belongings outside?
No. A landlord must follow the legal eviction process and cannot simply lock a tenant (you, the person renting) out or move their stuff without going through that process.