1. Juvenile Justice
Ch. 16

2. Juvenile Courts
The first juvenile courts were set up because society believed that the family had failed juveniles and the juvenile courts would take the place of the family.

3. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act of 2002
Main purpose:
It is important juvenile offenders be held accountable for their acts and community safety be protected

4. Status Offender
Juveniles who commit acts that would not be crimes if committed by adults

5. Examples Underage possession of alcohol Truancy Curfew Violation
Running away from home

6. Delinquent Offender
A youth who has committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult.

7. Juveniles tried as adults
Juveniles can be charged as an adult after a transfer hearing, when a judge considers
Seriousness of the crime
Age and past record
The likelihood that the juvenile may be rehabilitated.
Whether there were co-defendants

8. Intake – Officials decide whether to refer a juvenile to juvenile court during this process.
Today’s “get-tough” philosophy results in more juveniles being transferred to adult courts.

9. Adult v. Juvenile System
Crime
Arrest
File Charges
Not Guilty Plea
Guilty Plea
Trial
Found Guilty
Sentencing Hearing
Sentencing
Parole
=Offense
=Take into custody
=Petition
=Denial
=Admission
=Adjudicatory Hearing
=Found delinquent
=Dispositional Hearing
=Disposition
=Aftercare

10. Juveniles Do NOT have a right to trial by jury
Who are found delinquent do not have a criminal record
Who serve time for juvenile offenses cannot be held beyond a certain set by state law, such as 21 or 23 years
Some states permit them to expunge their juvenile records when they reach a certain age and have committed no additional delinquent acts.

11. US Supreme Court
Has required that states follow no procedures regarding appeals from juvenile cases.