Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Can you be forcefully held at voluntary events?

My friend recently graduated high school and decided to attend a ''Grad Nite'' even at the school. This event is designed to keep kids out of trouble. Attendees are required to have signed permission slips agreeing that they must not bring cell phones and that they must stay until 5am (this even starts at 9pm and goes all night).

My friend's permission slip was signed by his mother. His wallet was confiscated upon entry to this event (standard procedure), but he kept his cell phone hidden. A chaperon caught him making a call and he was asked to give up the phone. My friend refused, expressed his desire to leave, and started to walk out. The chaperon then told him that he was not allowed to leave without parental escort. The problem is that at the time my friend's mom was not be able to pick him up. The chaperon harassed him and said that the only alternative he had was being driven home by a police officer. My friend agreed and asked for his wallet. The chaperon refused.

Eventually, my friend got through to his mother who then picked him up from the event.

What legal recourse does my friend have? He is 18 and is a full-fledged adult. This was a voluntary event, but as I understand it he could not be held there against his will


Asked on 6/21/07, 5:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Can you be forcefully held at voluntary events?

How about he grows up and starts accepting responsibility for his decisions, like the one to go to an event with 'no leave' and 'no phone' provisions.

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Answered on 6/21/07, 5:27 pm


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