Question:
How does the juvenile justice system differ from the adult system?
Short Answer:
The juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate and guide troubled youth, while the adult criminal justice system primarily focuses on punishment and deterrence.
Long Answer:
Aim of the Systems
The main difference between the juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system is their overall aim. The juvenile justice system is intended to rehabilitate and reform, guiding troubled youth back onto the right path. On the other hand, the adult system is more focused on punishment and deterrence. The juvenile system typically includes more community-based programs, counseling, and educational services to help juveniles make better decisions and reintegrate into society.
Procedure and Terminology
Another significant difference lies in the procedure and terminology used in the two systems. In the juvenile justice system, youths are not “convicted” of crimes but rather are found “delinquent” or “in need of supervision.” They are not sentenced to prison but are often given “dispositions,” which may include probation, community service, or placement in a juvenile detention center. The adult criminal justice system, conversely, uses traditional legal terms such as “guilty,” “conviction,” and “sentence,” and sentences can include fines, community service, probation, or incarceration in a jail or prison.
Privacy and Record Sealing
Privacy and record sealing also play crucial roles in distinguishing the juvenile justice system from the adult criminal justice system. Juvenile court proceedings are usually private to protect the youth’s identity, and the record is often sealed or expunged at some point, allowing the juvenile to move on from past mistakes. In contrast, adult court proceedings are public, and convictions typically remain on a person’s record, affecting future job prospects, housing applications, and more.
Trial and Sentencing Rights
The juvenile system and the adult criminal justice system also differ in terms of trial and sentencing rights. Adult defendants have the right to a public trial by jury, whereas juvenile proceedings do not typically include a jury. In juvenile court, a judge makes all the decisions, including the verdict and the appropriate disposition. This setup aims to ensure that the final decision prioritizes the best interest of the child and the public.
In conclusion, while both systems serve to address criminal behavior, their approaches and methodologies significantly differ. The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation, uses different terminology and procedures, emphasizes privacy, and has different trial and sentencing rights, compared to the adult criminal justice system.