Did you know the juvenile justice system is completely separate and distinct from the adult justice system? That’s right – individuals who have not reached legal adulthood and violate the law are processed in the juvenile justice system. The juvenile justice system also handles a wider range of cases beyond just violations of criminal law. In fact, juvenile courts handle cases such as delinquency, neglect, abuse, and even adoptions in some states. The system resembles a “one-stop shop” for most legal matters involving juveniles.
After completing this learning module, you will:
- Know the differences between the juvenile and adult systems of criminal justice and
- Understand the philosophical differences between the adult and juvenile justice systems
