1. JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
STANDARD: SS8CG4
The student will analyze the role of the judicial branch in Georgia state government.
ELEMENT: SS8CG4.d
Compare the juvenile justice system to the adult justice system, emphasizing the different jurisdictions, terminology, and steps in the criminal justice process.
ELEMENT: SS8CG4.e
Describe the rights of juveniles when taken into custody.

2. THE JUVENILE COURTS HAVE 3 MAIN PURPOSES
To help protect the well-being of children
To make sure that any child coming under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court receives care, guidance, & the control needed.
To provide care for children who have been removed from their homes (like children put into foster homes.)

3. TWO IMPORTANT TERMS OF THE JUVENILE LAWS & COURTS
STATUS OFFENSE: an act that would NOT be considered a crime if committed by an adult (like being out late at night, drinking under the age of 21, trying to buy tobacco products before the age of 18).
DELINQUENT ACTS: When juveniles commit a delinquent act (an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult) OR a status offense (see above for definition) & are captured by police, they are said to be “TAKEN INTO CUSTORY” rather than “UNDER ARREST.”

4. STEPS IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
INTAKE
DETENTION
FORMAL HEARING
SENTENCING
APPEAL

5. 1. INTAKE
Take into custody & turned over to the Juvenile Court Intake Officer
Intake Officer investigates the case
Intake Officer decides if enough evidence exists to support charges
If NOT enough evidence---juvenile is RELEASED to parents
If enough evidence DOES exist, the juvenile is DETAINED

6. 2. DETENTION If juvenile is detained, this happens:
Probable cause hearing within 72 hours
Dismiss the case---release juvenile to parents/guardians
Informal Adjustment---
USUALLY FIRST OFFENDERS
Juvenile & parents must agree to informal adjustment
Juvenile must admit wrong-doing
Juvenile under court supervision for at least 90 days
Juvenile must attend school & counseling
Juvenile must pay damages or community service

7. 3. FORMAL HEARING:
1st Petition filed by complaining witness of wrong-doing
2nd After signing petition, date set for Formal Hearing
3rd Summons issued (requires parents & juvenile to attend)

8. PARTS OF THE FORMAL HEARING
1st Part: ADJUDICATORY HEARING
Like a trial, but only the judge hears the case
No jury
After evidence presented, Judge decides guilty or not guilty
NOT GUILTY: juvenile released to parents
GUILTY: 2nd hearing scheduled
2nd Part: DISPOSITIONAL HEARING
Judge determines punishment
Evidence presented to influence the Judge

9. 4. SENTENCING Judge selects from a number of options such as,
Release juvie into parental custody with no court supervision
Probation
YDC (Youth Detention Center or Incarceration)
Commit juvie to Dept. of Juvenile Justice
Assign other punishments: restitution & fines, special conditions of probation such as, mandatory school attendance, community service work, counseling, suspension or prohibition of driver’s license.

10. 5. APPEAL Juvenile has right to appeal
Court has the right to extend custody or supervision of the juvenile for up to 5 years

11. “SEVEN DEADLY SINS” ACT
Allows juveniles to be under the supervision of Superior Court & they are treated as an adult criminal.
Murder
• Rape
• Armed robbery with firearm
• Aggravated child molestation
• Aggravated sodomy
• Aggravated sexual battery
• Voluntary manslaughter

12. JUVENILE RIGHTS Speedy trial Fair trial
Due Process (rights & charge notification)
Protection against self-incrimination
Right to an attorney
Right to confront & question any witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right to introduce evidence
Right to testify on your own behalf
Right to have a parent present at all hearings