1. Juvenile Justice

2. Who are juveniles?
States can set age at which individuals become adults
Most states- age 18
In NC: age 16
Delinquent: when juvenile breaks a law
Most of US states define adult at 18; NC and NY define juvenile who has committed a criminal offense as no older than 16, which places 16- and 17- year olds in a position where they are tried as adults for any offense
Currently 2 bills are trying to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction. Most of that would be for petty and less serious offenses. Serious crimes like rape, kidnapping, murder, manslaughter would still be tried as adults.
Most states now certify juveniles for trial as adults under certain circumstances; usually when youth is 14+ and accused of committing a felony. If convicted, usually punished the way adults are punished.

3. Factors contributing to delinquency
BE CLEAR: DO NOT CAUSE DELINQUENCY.
Abuse/neglect
Emotional/mental issues
Poverty
Poor neighborhood conditions
Gang membership
Drug/alcohol abuse
Peer pressure
As education level goes up, crime level in general goes own. Most inmates in state & federal prison never finished high school

4. Juvenile Justice System
Set up in late 1800s
Before this time, juvenile offenders treated as adults
Primary goal: rehabilitation rather than punishment
DIVERSION
Juveniles at least 7+ held responsible for their crimes

5. Types of Cases Neglect Delinquency Neglected/ abused by caregivers
Commit crimes

6. Juvenile Justice Process
Court procedure similar to that of adult trials
Arrest, notification… big difference is it’s a series of hearings rather than full trial
Adjudication hearing: are allegations (claims) true?
Dispositional hearing: judge decides plan/sentence

7. Sentencing Options (a selection):
Dismiss/ send home
Foster care
Probation
Counseling
Juvenile corrections
Juvenile detention center is basically a formal prison for minors
Residential treatment facilities  drug, alcohol, mental health
“Protective supervision”  court counselor & counseling
Probation levels  court counselor, follow rules, counseling

8. Special protections for juveniles
No jury: series of private hearings
Trial closed to public (only involved parties can attend)
Keep identity secret (ex: NJ v. TLO)
Public can’t view records
Not fingerprinted/ photographed when arrested
In some cases, record erased when juvenile becomes adult

9. What does the Supreme Court say about juvenile protections?
In re Gault (1967): juveniles are protected by due process clause of 14th amendment
Includes protections like….
Parents/guardians must be notified at time of arrest
Right to attorney
Must be notified in writing of charges against them
Right to question all witnesses
Right to remain silent
Can refuse to testify against themselves in court
Does NOT have: right to bail; trial by jury; speedy trial; self-representation

10. When Kids Get Life