What is the Difference Between Juveniles and Adults?

The main differences between juveniles and adults in the context of the criminal justice system are related to the age of the individuals, the procedures and goals of the respective court systems, and the rights and protections afforded to each group.

1. Age: Generally, a person is considered a juvenile if they are between the ages of 10 and 18, and an adult is considered to be anyone over the age of 18.
2. Court Procedures: Juvenile court proceedings are more informal than adult court proceedings. Juveniles do not face a jury trial, and instead, their cases are decided by a judge alone. In adult court, if the defendant is found guilty, they are "convicted," whereas in juvenile court, the child is "adjudicated delinquent".
3. Goals: The goal of the adult crime system is to punish, while the goal of the juvenile crime system is rehabilitation and doing what's in the best interests of the child. The juvenile system focuses more on treatment, therapy, and education rather than just punishment.
4. Rights and Protections: Both juveniles and adults have the right to an attorney, the right to cross-examine and confront witnesses, and the right not to incriminate themselves. However, there are differences in the rules of evidence and the handling of cases, with juvenile courts generally being more lenient and less formal than adult courts.

In summary, the main differences between juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system involve their age, the procedures and goals of their respective court systems, and the rights and protections afforded to each group.

Comparative Table: Juveniles vs Adults

Here is a table comparing the differences between juveniles and adults in the justice system:

In simple terms, the adult crime system aims to reprimand, whereas the juvenile crime system focuses on rehabilitation.