Juvenile Justice

Law in American SocietyMs. Gikas

Juvenile Justice

• In the legal system, there is a distinction between “Juvenile” and “Adult”

Juveniles have a separate court system

• Courts act as parens patriae: court acts as guardian of juvenile

• Focus on rehabilitation and socialization

Who counts?

• Age of majority: age at which someone is considered an adult– Usually 18, but may be as low as 17 or 16– May changed based on:• Severity of crime• likelihood of rehabilitation• past record

Three types of Juveniles in court

1. Delinquent offenders

2. Status offenders

3. Neglected or Abused Children

Three types of Juveniles in court• Delinquent offenders: youths that commit acts

that would be considered crimes if committed by adults– Ex: Larceny

• Status offenders: youths that commit acts that would not be considered crimes if committed by adults– Ex: Underage Drinking

• Neglected or Abused Children: youth seeking court protection from parent or guardian– Ex: parent is not feeding the child (neglect)

Juvenile Courts also deal with parents

• Parental responsibility laws: laws that punish parents for the misbehavior of their children

• Contributing to the delinquency of a minor: a crime in which an adult aids a youth in committing a crime