{"id":352421,"date":"2023-08-28T10:54:21","date_gmt":"2023-08-28T15:54:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/development-of-the-juvenile-justice-system.html"},"modified":"2023-08-28T10:54:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T15:54:21","slug":"development-of-the-juvenile-justice-system","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/development-of-the-juvenile-justice-system.html","title":{"rendered":"History of the Juvenile Justice System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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History of the Juvenile Justice System<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Established in 1899, the juvenile justice system in the United States emerged from the need for a separate legal framework for minors. Originally treated as "miniature adults," juveniles were subjected to the same processes and harsh penalties as adults. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Later, societal shifts and a better understanding of child development fostered a more rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice.<\/p>\n

The rules related to juvenile offenders may vary in every state. For example, some states have various maximum and minimum ages for juvenile delinquency cases.  It’s understandable to feel confused and overwhelmed when trying to navigate the juvenile system and its laws. Contact a criminal law attorney<\/a> near you for legal help and guidance.<\/p>\n

The following article summarizes the history of the juvenile justice system in the United States. It started from lessons learned during the progressive era to the development of juvenile courts<\/a>.
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Mass Immigration and Delinquency Among Indigent Children<\/h2>\n

During the Progressive Era<\/a> (around 1890-1920), the U.S. experienced significant social change, especially in major cities like New York and Chicago. The Progressive Era was marked by:<\/p>\n