A Stanford University professor learned a hard lesson recently. Bill Burnett was arrested in his own home because he and his wife allowed their teenage son and his friends to have a party in their basement. They had laid down rules against having alcohol, but some found its way into the party. A neighbor complained to police, who arrived at the home and arrested Burnett for contributing to the delinquency of minors. He was taken away in handcuffs!

Bill Burnett and his wife tell their story here.

• Did the police overreact?

• Should the teens be facing any charges?

• What was the Burnetts’ son’s responsibility in all this?

• What more could the parents have done to make sure the kids weren’t drinking? Is it ever okay to allow teenagers to drink?

• Do you think it’s fair for the law to hold parents responsible for their child’s behavior? Why or why not?