Define: Juvenile Delinquent

A juvenile delinquent is a young person who has committed a criminal offence or engaged in behaviour that would be considered illegal if committed by an adult. Juvenile delinquency encompasses a range of activities, from minor offences such as truancy or vandalism to more serious crimes like theft, assault, or drug-related offences. Juvenile delinquency is often associated with factors such as family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, poverty, and lack of parental supervision or support. In many jurisdictions, the juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate rather than punish juvenile offenders, focusing on interventions such as counseling, education, community service, and probation to address the underlying causes of delinquent behaviour and prevent further criminal activity.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.