1. Juvenile Justice System

2. Juveniles: anyone under the age of 18
Youth under the age of 18 who are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act are typically processed through a juvenile justice system.
While similar to that of the adult criminal justice system in many ways, the juvenile justice process operates according to the premise that youth are fundamentally different from adults, both in terms of level of responsibility and potential for rehabilitation. 

3. Juvenile court proceedings differ from adult proceedings in that juveniles have:
no jury trials
no public trials
identities and records kept secret
no fingerprints or photos
different sentences such as lectures, training schools, and wards of court

4. Juveniles can be tried as adults when the crimes committed are serious or the juveniles have criminal records.

5. Should juveniles be given life without parole sentences?
20 states + D.C. have banned life without parole for juveniles
Roper v. Simmons – 2005
-juveniles cannot receive the death penalty
Graham v. Florida- 2011
- Banned life without parole for juveniles not convicted of homicide

6. A Guide to the NC Juvenile Justice System