The juvenile justice system has evolved into an independent system of justice. What are some of the similarities it shares with the adult justice system and what are some of the differences? Do you think these distinctions go far enough?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Many of the similarities between the juvenile and adult justice systems are a result of the Supreme Court hearings in the 1960s and 1970s. For instance, in both systems, the juvenile and adult have a right to receive the Miranda warning, they have a right to counsel at most key stages of the court process, and the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. Some other similarities include the right to a hearing and an appeal and probation and community treatment as sentencing options. Some of the differences include that the primary purpose of juvenile procedures is protection and treatment, while for adults the aim is to punish the guilty. Jurisdiction is determined by age in the juvenile system and by the nature of the offense in the adult system. Juvenile proceedings are not considered criminal. This also means that juveniles can be apprehended for acts that would not be criminal if they were committed by an adult. Juveniles have no constitutional right to a jury trial and cannot be sentenced to county jails or state prisons-typically, they are released into parental custody. Student answers will vary concerning whether they think the distinctions between the two go far enough.