Discover published sets by community

Parents or guardians are typically more involved in the juvenile process than in adult court, often required to participate in interventions.

In both juvenile and adult courts, the standard of proof is 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' but the way this standard is applied can differ, taking into account the juvenile's age and understanding.

Juvenile case dispositions focus on the individual child's needs and the protection of the public, unlike adult sentencing which emphasizes punishment and legal precedent.

Juvenile court proceedings are generally less formal than adult criminal court proceedings, with more flexibility in how cases are handled.

Juveniles typically do not have a statutory right to bail; instead, detention decisions are made based on welfare considerations, different from the adult system where bail is a common option.

Juvenile justice systems prioritize reducing recidivism through rehabilitation and education, whereas adult criminal law often lacks such targeted measures.

The age at which a person is legally considered an adult, which varies by state but is typically 18. Juvenile justice applies to those under this age, while adult criminal law applies to those 18 or older.

Juvenile courts act in a 'parens patriae' role, meaning they assume a protective role over minors, as opposed to adult courts which function mainly to adjudicate crimes.

Juveniles often have the ability to have their records expunged, meaning cleared or sealed, which is more difficult or impossible in the adult justice system.

Juvenile detention facilities are designed to cater to educational and developmental needs, which is a stark contrast to adult prisons that focus on security and containment.

Juveniles are often given indeterminate sentences, meaning there is no fixed end date, with release based on rehabilitation progress, whereas adult sentences are typically of a set length.

While both systems allow plea bargaining, in juvenile court, the process is less formal and intended to expedite resolution in a manner that promotes the juvenile's welfare.

Juvenile proceedings and records are usually more private to protect the youth's privacy, unlike adult criminal records which are often public.

Sentencing for juveniles can include a variety of options like house arrest, community service, and juvenile detention, differing from the adult system with its focus on prison and fines.

Juvenile justice systems often have diversion programs allowing youth to avoid formal processing if they complete certain requirements, which is less common in adult justice systems.

Juvenile offenses include status offenses, which are non-criminal acts that are considered violations because of the youth's age, such as truancy, which have no equivalent in adult law.

Both juveniles and adults have the right to legal representation, but juvenile defense attorneys specialize in the nuances of juvenile law.

Juvenile justice frequently incorporates psychological evaluations to understand the youth's behavior and mental state, more so than in adult criminal law.

Juvenile justice places a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment, contrasting with the adult system that often prioritizes punitive measures.