Articles Tagged with how minor offenders are tried

Recognizing that young minds are still developing and learning, our justice system allows for juvenile offenders to be treated differently from adult offenders to give minors a second chance and make better choices going forward.

Although juvenile and criminal courts both seek to hold offenders accountable for their actions, there are several differences in their approach. Perhaps the most significant is that criminal court focuses on punishment while juvenile court focuses on rehabilitative opportunities. The proceedings themselves and even the terminology used in the two courts differ as well:

• Adults commit crimes; juveniles commit delinquent acts.