{"id":352426,"date":"2024-01-24T10:31:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T15:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/juvenile-justice-background.html"},"modified":"2024-01-24T10:31:46","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T15:31:46","slug":"juvenile-justice-background","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/juvenile-justice\/juvenile-justice-background.html","title":{"rendered":"Juvenile Justice: Background and Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Juvenile Justice: Background and Basics<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Taylar-Simone McCants, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The juvenile justice system defines a "juvenile" based on age, which varies by state but generally includes minors under 18. Juvenile courts handle cases differently from adult courts, prioritizing counseling and rehabilitation, and can transfer serious cases to adult courts. Sentencing for juvenile offenders ranges from probation to detention, depending on the severity of the offense.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Juvenile justice has emphasizes counseling and rehabilitation versus jail time. Young people still have a lot of time to mature and become productive members of society. The common belief is that adult prisons are not the appropriate place for them to do so.
\r\n<\/p>\r\n

This article provides background information about the juvenile system, including:<\/p>\r\n