1. Juvenile Justice Explain how the Georgia court system treats juvenile offenders

2. Vocabulary ▪ Truancy- Failure to attend school ▪ Juveniles- Citizens under the age of 17

3. 3 Laws for Juveniles ▪ Must attend school until at least 16 years old ▪ Cannot run away from home ▪ Cannot possess alcohol until 21 and tobacco until 18

4. 3 Main Purposes of Juvenile Court ▪ Help and protect the well-being of children ▪ Make sure any child coming under the jurisdiction of the court has the care, guidance, and control needed ▪ Provide for children who have been removed from their homes

5. Vocabulary ▪ Delinquent Act- an act considered a crime if committed by an adult ▪ Can include theft, assault, possession of drugs, rape, and murder. ▪ If serious enough, juvenile can be charged as an adult ▪ Unruly Act (status offense)- an act which would not be a crime if committed by an adult ▪ Possession of alcohol or tobacco, leaving home w/o permission, breaking curfew, skipping school, driving w/o license, not following reasonable commands of parents or other adults ▪ Can result in placement in juvenile detention center

6. Steps to Juvenile System ▪ (1)Intake- an intake officer decides if there is enough evidence to make a charge against the juvenile ▪ Release or (2)Detained- if not enough evidence, juvenile is released to parents; if there is enough, they will be detained in juvenile detention center or an adult prison depending on the crime. If detained, there must be a hearing w/in 72 hours

7. Steps to Juvenile System ▪ (2)Once detained: (three options) ▪ Case is dismissed ▪ Informal adjustment- Juvenile must admit guilt to judge and is under the supervision of the courts for 90 days. Usually for first time offenders. ▪ (3)Formal Hearing- a petition is written outlining the wrongdoing, date for hearing is set, summons issued for juvenile, parents, and others involved in case to appear at hearing; has two parts ▪ Adjudicatory hearing (part one)- the judge determines the juvenile’s guilt or innocence after listening to all evidence. NO Juries! If guilty, part two is scheduled, if not guilty the juvenile is released.

8. Steps to Juvenile System ▪ Dispositional hearing (part two)- judge hears witnesses from both sides and determines the punishment for the juvenile ▪ (4)Sentencing- judge rules on punishment, which can include release to parents, boot camp, probation, detention center, fines, counseling, school attendance ▪ (5)Appeal- juvenile can appeal ruling if enough evidence proves they were innocent ▪ http://www.gpb.org/georgiastories/stories/criminal_justice_and_the_juvenil e

9. Seven Deadly Sins ▪ The superior court has sole jurisdiction over juveniles aged 13, 14, 15, or 16 charged with such serious crimes as: murder, rape, or armed robbery. ▪ These offenses were called the “Seven Deadly Sins” when the legislation was being debated in 1994. ▪ Adult trial with adult sentencing

10. Seven Deadly Sins’ Consequences ▪ First Offense – non-parolable sentence of at least 10 yrs. ▪ Minimum sentencing for first offense of murder is LIFE, with no parole eligibility for 25 yrs. ▪ Second Offense - for any of the “7 Deadly Sins” – LIFE with NO parole.

11. Student Rights in Schools ▪ First amendment rights of freedom of religion, speech, the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition (school boards determine what is appropriate, lewd or offensive) ▪ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures (schools need only reasonable suspicion) ▪ Fifth Amendment rights of students (equal protection under the law and right of due process of law)

12. Student Responsibilities in Schools ▪ Students must attend school between the ages of six and sixteen. ▪ Students must follow reasonable rules and regulations, behavior codes, and even dress codes. ▪ Students must work with school officials to prevent disruptions and violence in their schools.

13. Student Rights In Custody ▪ Have a parent or guardian present before questioned ▪ Not to have their names or photographs made public ▪ Two phone calls (parent and attorney) ▪ Not to self-incriminate and to be counseled on what that means ▪ Not to be placed with adult offenders ▪ For parents to be contacted immediately