Legal Definitions - juvenile justice

Juvenile justice refers to the specialized legal system that addresses criminal and delinquent behavior committed by individuals who are not yet considered adults under the law, typically those under the age of 18. This system operates distinctly from the adult criminal justice system, often prioritizing rehabilitation, education, and the overall welfare of the minor over punitive measures. States primarily govern juvenile justice, establishing separate courts and procedures based on the legal principle of parens patriae, which means the state acts as a protective parent to safeguard the interests of its young citizens. While the primary aim is to guide minors away from future offenses, in certain serious circumstances, a juvenile may be transferred to an adult court.

• Example 1: Minor Offense and Rehabilitation

  A 14-year-old is caught shoplifting a candy bar from a convenience store. Instead of being charged as an adult, the juvenile justice system would likely intervene. This might involve a hearing in a juvenile court, where the focus could be on counseling, community service, or a period of probation, rather than a criminal record or jail time. This approach emphasizes the system's goal of rehabilitating the minor and addressing the underlying reasons for the behavior.

• Example 2: Delinquency and State Intervention

  A group of 16-year-olds is found to have repeatedly skipped school and engaged in truancy, leading to concerns from school officials and parents. Under the juvenile justice system, a court might intervene to ensure the teenagers attend school, possibly ordering family counseling, educational programs, or assigning a probation officer to monitor their attendance and behavior. This demonstrates the state's role, under parens patriae, in ensuring the welfare and proper upbringing of minors within its jurisdiction.

• Example 3: Serious Crime and Potential Transfer to Adult Court

  A 17-year-old is accused of committing a violent felony, such as aggravated assault with a weapon, resulting in severe injury to another person. While the case would initially fall under juvenile court jurisdiction, due to the gravity of the offense and the potential danger to the community, the prosecutor might petition the court to "waive" its jurisdiction. If granted, the teenager's case would then be transferred to the adult criminal court, where they would face charges and potential penalties similar to an adult offender, illustrating the system's provision for handling exceptionally serious crimes.