Authority vs. AUTHORITY

Hi Baldy,

"After all, we have had a similar experience with adults who feel coerced even when an authority figure assures them that they do not need to comply. I am talking about traffic stop searches. In the article linked, it is noted that even with very strong efforts to inform citizens of their rights, nearly ninety-five percent of motorists consented to have their vehicles searched by a police officer. This court in New Jersey determined 'The cumulative effect has been that we no longer have confidence that a consent to search under Johnson truly can be voluntary or otherwise reasonable without modifying the Johnson standard. "'Consent' that is the product of official intimidation or harassment is not consent at all. Citizens do not forfeit their constitutional rights when they are coerced to comply with a request that they would prefer to refuse."'

There is a small but significant difference between police officers, who wear a uniform and carry a gun, and a teacher, Girl Scout leader, or coach. The difference is that, over time, a personal relationship can be formed with the later, but when a Policeman stops you... it's not very likely to be a social visit.

All adults, to some extent, carry an implied authority over a child, merely by the fact of being larger and belonging to the same peer group as their parents. In any relationship between adults and children, the adult would have to assume to position of responsibility.

It is the very people who have the most authority over a child, who in fact, would best know the child's personality, along with her needs, wants, and desires. I think it is these people who could "read" the child's signals most accurately.

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