Now You Are 18

• VOTING discusses the requirements for voting. It discusses registration and the proper locations for voting. How college students may vote is addressed.
• JURY DURY is a specific responsibility of being an adult. The qualifications for serving are given. The selection of the jury panel procedures are pointed out. Excuses, disqualifications, challenges, and pay for jurors are discussed.
• The unit on DRIVING points out that driving is a privilege that the state regulates. Liability and insurance are discussed. Penalties are given in detail.
• The DRINKING LAWS are set forth clearly. No person under the age of 21 may LEGALLY purchase beer, wine, or liquor.
• The unit on CONTRACTS is extensive. Types of contracts are listed. General rules to follow before signing a contract are given. The consequences of failure to fulfill a contract are discussed.
• CREDIT is the unit that follows. Credit ratings, collateral, installment purchases, prepayment, and discrimination are covered.
• CONSUMER PROTECTION points out several laws that protect consumers, such as Truth in Lending, the Door-to-Door rules, Fair Credit Reporting Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Warranties are discussed. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the "Lemon Law" are brought out in this section.
• The unit on MARRIAGE, DIVORCE and CHILDREN covers the age at which persons my marry, and gives the requirements for a valid marriage. Who provides support, the grounds for divorce and parental rights are discussed. The kinds of help available to persons who are abused are given.
• In the unit on APARTMENTS leases, security deposits, rights of the landlord and of the tenant are pointed out.
• EMPLOYMENT discusses hiring, firing, and discrimination.
• Five questions are answered in the section on CRIMINAL CHARGES: what to expect from the arresting officer when arrested; what basic things to remember if arrested; when a person must appear before a Judge; what is bail; and what if a person is unable to afford to hire an attorney.
• MILITARY SERVICE is the final section. The requirement to register, how and where, and draft cards are discussed.

The booklet ends as it began with a reminder that it is a guide, not the final and complete word on the law. Its purpose is to educate with general and basic information only.

Funding for the Now You Are 18 program and booklets is usually provided in each community by local law or education related organizations. Printing has been twice funded by grants from the Texas Bar Foundation. Funds from each years receipts are used to print books the following year. More than 700,000 copies of the handbook have been distributed since the inception of the program in 1987. For more information, write or e-mail at the address below.

Orders are accepted year round and shipment is by UPS, usually within two weeks. Postage is added to your invoice. Payment is due upon receipt of order. Room sets are popular with teachers who wish to use them repeatedly with different groups of students. Educational packets contain non-copyrighted teacher lesson plans and suggested test questions.

Ordering Information:

Send ____ (how many) handbooks at 35 cents each, plus postage.

Send ____ (how many) Room Sets of 25 handbooks and an educational packet, postage paid for $14.00 each set

Send ____ (how many) educational packets (one free upon request with each 100 handbooks ordered. All others at $1.00 per packet.)

____ Send ONE copy of the handbook, prepaid only (enclose $1.50)

Ship handbooks _____ NOW, or _____________________________to:
(give dates)

Please make checks payable to TLA Special Account.

Orders may be mailed to:

TEXAS LAWYERS AUXILIARY
3321 Beverly Drive
Dallas, Texas 75205

Invoice Orders and any questions may also be e-mailed to: nowyouare18@hotmail.com

Revised 2000

This information is not intended to be a substitute for the legal advice of a licensed attorney. If you have any questions regarding a particular issue or topic we suggest you seek legal counsel.