Did you know the juvenile justice system is completely separate and distinct from the adult justice system?

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