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Juvenile Court
What is Juvenile Court?
Juvenile court, also known as young offender's court or children's court, is a specialized tribunal that handles cases involving minors who are accused of committing crimes. The primary purpose of juvenile court is to provide a system that focuses on rehabilitation and addressing the needs of young offenders, rather than solely on punishment.
Key Features of Juvenile Court
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Separate from Adult Court: Juvenile courts operate independently from adult criminal courts, with their own procedures and policies. In many jurisdictions, such as California, the juvenile court system is entirely separate from the adult system.
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Focus on Rehabilitation: The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to help young people stop delinquent behavior through various programs and services.
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No Jury Trials: Unlike adult criminal courts, juvenile courts do not use juries. Cases are decided by a judge based on evidence presented by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
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Types of Sentences: Sentences in juvenile court can range from informal supervision to formal supervision (similar to probation) and, in more serious cases, incarceration in a juvenile detention facility.
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Adjudication and Disposition: The process typically involves an adjudication hearing to determine guilt, followed by a disposition hearing to decide on the appropriate response or punishment.
Role of Juvenile Probation
Juvenile probation plays a central role in the administration of juvenile justice. Probation officers are responsible for supervising juveniles, monitoring their progress, and ensuring they adhere to court-ordered conditions. They also facilitate access to community-based programs aimed at rehabilitation.