Juvenile Justice: What Happens When Minors Break the Law

When it comes to the legal system, the topic of juvenile criminals and their punishment sparks a lot of debate. Cases like Jon Venables or Mary Bell make us wonder how we should handle young people who break the law¹. These cases show that young people do commit crimes, just like adults. But where do we draw the line between being a child and being a criminal? What happens to minors who break the law?

Minors, those between 10 and 17 years old, have their own court system. This system is different from the adult court system¹. In this system, they can’t be kept in adult prisons before their court date. Adults, on the other hand, can be held in jail for up to 90 days before their hearing.

Key Takeaways

Juveniles are defined as youth between the ages of 10 and 17.
Juvenile cases are heard in a separate court system focused on rehabilitation and community safety.
Juveniles cannot be held in adult prisons while awaiting their court hearings.
Common juvenile crimes include assault, theft, drug possession, and weapons violations.
Serious cases may result in juveniles being tried as adults, especially for violent felonies.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system in the U.S. deals with minors aged 10 to 17 accused of delinquent acts². It focuses on treatment and rehabilitation, unlike the adult criminal system².

Differences from the Adult Criminal System

Juvenile court proceedings are closed and run by a judge or hearing master, not a jury². They use terms like “delinquent acts” instead of “crimes” to highlight a focus on helping young people².

Studies show mixed results on how boys and girls are treated in the system². But, the good news is, there’s been a big drop in youth arrests and placements in the past 20 years³.

Metric	Change from 1997 to 2019
Youth Arrests	Decreased by 74%³
Youth Detained in Residential Placement	Decreased by 50% to 14,344³
Youth Committed to Residential Placement	Decreased by 73% to 21,141³
Total Youth in Residential Placement	Decreased by 65% to 36,479³

The system aims to help young people and bring them back into society, as the NJJN suggests raising the age for juvenile court⁴. This matches what the National Research Council recommends⁴.

“Raising the age of majority can have an impact on juvenile recidivism rates,” a study by Loeffler and Grunwald found⁴.

The U.S. juvenile justice system offers a unique, rehabilitative approach for young offenders. It stands apart from the adult system in both process and goals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY0Zs47BJ9I

juvenile justice, minor crimes, juvenile court, legal process, youth offenders

When minors face a crime charge, they enter a special court system made just for them. This juvenile justice system tries to fix young offenders instead of just punishing them like adults⁵. In California, each county runs its own juvenile justice system, but they all share the same main goals.

Minors aren’t “guilty” in this system; they’re “adjudicated delinquent.”⁵ A judge or a lawyer makes the decision without a jury. They check if the facts match the crime definition⁵.

California’s juvenile justice system has changed a lot lately. In 2018, a new law, SB 439, changed how courts handle minors under 12 for serious crimes like murder or rape⁶. The state also moved more responsibility from the California Youth Authority to local probation departments⁶.

Juvenile Justice Statistics in California	2022 Data
Juvenile Arrests	26,000⁶
Juveniles Charged	17,627⁶
Juveniles Placed on Probation	36,640⁶
Juveniles in Secure Confinement	8,918⁶
Juveniles Transferred to Adult Court	59⁶

California’s juvenile justice system tries to fix offenders with things like fines, community work, and classes⁶. These courts are different from adult courts and are called “602 proceedings”⁷.

Even with a focus on fixing young people, the system has faced criticism for not working well and being too expensive⁶. Changes like realignment and SB 439 aim to make it better and kinder for young offenders.

California’s juvenile justice system is complex and always changing. It varies by county but always aims to help young people, not just punish them. By understanding how it works, we see how the state deals with young offenders and tries new ways to help them.

Arrest and Detention

When juveniles are arrested, police officers usually take them into custody⁸. Kids under 18 who break laws meant for adults (except for minor traffic issues) face delinquency court⁸. If they’re 14 or older and commit serious crimes like murder or assault, they might face adult court trials⁸.

Detention Hearings

When a juvenile needs to stay longer, they go to a youth detention center, not an adult jail⁹. These places are made for kids and have staff who know how to help them. In Pennsylvania, kids can’t stay in detention without a hearing every 10 days⁹. Usually, they get released to their parents quickly⁹. After release, they might have to follow rules and check in with authorities until a judge looks into their case⁹.

The way juveniles are treated in detention is very different from adults¹⁰. Every year, around 400,000 kids get arrested or detained for things like having drugs, skipping school, or breaking curfew¹⁰. About 20% of these cases are for status offenses, like having drugs or breaking rules¹⁰.

The goal of the juvenile justice system is to help and guide, not just punish. Detention hearings help decide the best way to help each young person. They make sure they get the support they need to turn things around.

“The juvenile justice system is designed to address the unique needs and circumstances of young offenders, with the ultimate aim of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”

Juvenile Court Proceedings

In the juvenile justice system, minors who commit crimes are not “found guilty.” Instead, they are “adjudicated delinquent.”¹¹ A judge or a court-appointed lawyer, called a “master,” hears the case. They decide if the facts are true and if the allegations are a crime¹¹.

Juvenile offenders get a hearing where the prosecutors must prove their case beyond doubt¹¹. The defendant has the right to an attorney, and parents can hire a lawyer or use a public defender¹¹.

The court process for minors under 18 in California is different from adult criminal courts¹¹.
For less serious crimes, minors might get a citation instead of being arrested¹¹.
In California, juveniles can’t post bail for serious crimes and may stay in custody¹¹.
There are two types of petitions in juvenile court: a 601 petition for age-related illegal actions and a 602 petition for misdemeanors and felonies¹¹.

The judge at the detention hearing decides if the minor stays in juvenile hall or goes home under strict rules¹¹. For serious felonies, a “fitness hearing” might be held to see if the case goes to adult court¹¹.

Before the adjudication hearing, pretrial hearings may happen where both sides share evidence and talk about possible outcomes¹¹. At the adjudication hearing, the rules are like an adult trial, and the district attorney must prove the charges beyond doubt¹¹. But, there are no juries; a juvenile court judge hears the case¹¹.

“At least 21 States require or permit the court to open juvenile proceedings if the youth involved are charged with serious or violent offenses or if the juveniles are repeat offenders.”¹²

The last step is the disposition hearing, where the judge decides on the punishment or help for the minor¹¹. This can be probation or time in a juvenile detention center, based on the crime and the minor’s past¹³.

Dispositions and Sentencing

In the juvenile justice system, the main goal is to help young people, not punish them¹⁴. Instead of locking them up, courts often put them on probation¹⁴. For serious crimes, they might go to a detention center or jail, but usually, they suggest places that help them grow and learn¹⁴.

The system offers different ways to deal with young offenders because they need special help¹⁵. It aims to care for them, keep them safe, and help them grow. It also makes sure victims are supported and offenders can change¹⁵. The sentences are made to fit the crime and are fair compared to others¹⁵.

Trying Juveniles as Adults

Sometimes, young people can be tried as adults in court¹⁴. In Ohio, this happens if they’re 16 or older and used a deadly weapon or had a criminal past¹⁴. Those accused of murder might also face adult court, no matter their age¹⁴. The Supreme Court says locking up kids for life is too harsh and breaks their rights¹⁴.

Remember, juvenile court is more like a civil case, not a criminal one¹⁶. Kids don’t get found guilty; they either admit or deny the charges¹⁶. A parent or guardian must be there for all court meetings¹⁶.

The U.S. system knows young offenders need special care and help¹⁴. By focusing on fixing the problems that lead to crime, it tries to make communities safer¹⁴.

“The purpose of juvenile dispositions is to provide for the care, protection, and development of children, hold them accountable for their actions, ensure public safety, restore victims, and facilitate offender rehabilitation.”¹⁵

Conclusion

The juvenile justice system in the U.S. focuses on rehabilitating young people, protecting communities, and helping victims. It’s different from the adult system, aiming to make young offenders accountable yet offer them a chance to start fresh¹⁷. The process is designed to tackle the root causes of crime, stop future offenses, and help youth become productive members of society¹⁷.

Handling juvenile cases involves looking at many factors, like the role of the Probation Department and family dynamics¹⁷. Judges in Family Court also have special powers to help. Many young people in trouble face mental health issues, substance abuse, and trauma, showing the need for a holistic approach¹⁸. By grasping the system’s complexities and the needs of young offenders, legal experts can aim for the best outcomes for everyone involved¹⁷¹⁸.

Crime rates among juveniles in the U.S. have changed over time, and how different countries deal with young offenders varies a lot¹⁹. The minimum age for being tried as a criminal, court systems, and sentencing rules greatly affect young people’s outcomes¹⁹. By studying how other countries handle juvenile justice, the U.S. can improve its system. This ensures that rehabilitating and reintegrating young people into society remains the main goal¹⁹.

FAQ

What is the difference between the juvenile justice system and the adult criminal system?

The juvenile justice system aims at treatment, rehabilitation, and supervision, not punishment. It doesn’t use the term “guilty.” Instead, it says “adjudicated delinquent” through a special process. The goal is to help young offenders overcome their issues and move forward positively.

How are juvenile offenders processed differently from adult offenders?

Police arrest juveniles and take them to special facilities, not adult jails. Their cases go to juvenile court, where they have legal help and regular check-ins. The main aim is to help them become productive members of society again.

What are the possible dispositions or sentencing options for juvenile offenders?

Courts often put juvenile offenders on probation or in places like group homes. These offer more support, education, and chances for a better life. In rare cases, they might face adult charges, but life imprisonment for them is banned by law.

When can a juvenile be tried as an adult?

In Pennsylvania, a juvenile can face adult charges if they were 15 or older at the crime scene and used a deadly weapon or had a prior serious crime charge. Or, if they’re accused of murder.

What is the role of the juvenile court in the legal process?

A judge or hearing master runs juvenile court, deciding if the case is a crime. The court focuses on making the young offender accountable, helping them, and keeping the community safe.