Define: Juvenile Justice

The purpose of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders into society, rather than focusing solely on punishment.

The age at which a minor can be charged as an adult varies by jurisdiction. In some states, it can be as young as 16, while in others it may be 18 or older.

In certain circumstances, parents can be held legally responsible for their child’s criminal actions. This is often referred to as parental liability or parental responsibility laws.

Juveniles have many of the same rights as adults, including the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. However, there may be some differences in how these rights are applied in juvenile court.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that sentencing a juvenile to life in prison without the possibility of parole is unconstitutional, except in cases of homicide.

In some cases, a juvenile’s criminal record can be expunged or sealed, meaning it is no longer accessible to the public. The eligibility criteria for expungement vary by jurisdiction.

No, a juvenile cannot be tried as both a juvenile and an adult for the same offense. Once a decision is made to try a juvenile as an adult, they will be treated as an adult throughout the legal process.

While it is generally preferred to keep juveniles separate from adult offenders, there are circumstances where a juvenile may be held in an adult jail or prison, such as if they are charged as an adult or if there are no appropriate juvenile facilities available.

Yes, juveniles can be sentenced to probation instead of incarceration. Probation allows for supervision and monitoring of the juvenile’s behavior while they remain in the community.

In most cases, once a juvenile turns 18, they can no longer be tried in juvenile court for offenses committed as a minor. However, there may be exceptions for certain serious offenses or if the case is still pending at the time of their 18th birthday.