CJ377 Test

Parens Patriae means

father of the nation The role of the state to act as a guardian for children in need

First Juvenile Court

Illinois 1899 under the Juvenile Court Act

Juvenile Legal Terms

Respondent, Petition, Hearing, Adjudication, Finding, Disposition, Commitment, Resident, Aftercare.

Delinquent Act

An act that, if committed by an adult, would be considered a crime.

Status Offense

An act that, if committed by an adult, would NOT be a crime (e.g., running away, disobeying parents).

Dependent Child

A juvenile who requires state intervention due to neglect or lack of parental care.

Exception for Murder

Murder is automatically considered an adult offense, regardless of the perpetrator's age.

Retributive Justice

Seeks revenge or recompense for unlawful behavior.

Restorative Justice

Stresses accountability, repairing harm to the victim (e.g., restitution), and restoring the victim

Juvenile Justice Process (PA)

Includes arrest, referral, detention hearing within 72 hours, intake, adjudication hearing, and disposition hearing.

Adjudication Hearing

A court hearing where evidence is presented, and a judge determines guilt or innocence.

Disposition Hearing

A court hearing to determine custody or placement of the juvenile, based on the needs of the child and community.

Predisposition Report

Similar to a presentence investigation, used to inform the court about the juvenile's background and needs.

Justice Model

Focuses on what the juvenile deserves based on their actions.

Social Services Model

Focuses on what the juvenile needs for rehabilitation.

Least to Most Restrictive Environment (PA)

Probation (least restrictive) → foster home → group home → treatment facility → school for boys/girls → youth development center → secure treatment facility (most restrictive).

Aftercare

The planned release of a juvenile from residential placement to supportive services in the community.

Disproportionate Minority Contact

Minorities, particularly Black youth, are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system due to factors like income inequality and high crime areas.

4 D’s of Juvenile Justice

Deinstitutionalization of status offenders, Diversion, Due Process, Decriminalization.

Gerald Gault Case

juveniles rights to written notice of charges, counsel, protection against self

Winship Case

Established that juveniles must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

McKeiver Case

Juveniles cannot have jury trials as juvenile proceedings are not considered criminal.

Breed v. Jones

Juveniles cannot be tried in both juvenile and adult court for the same crime.

Schall v. Martin

Detention can be used to prevent juveniles from committing further crimes.

Roper Case

Abolished the death penalty for juveniles.

Miller Case

Juveniles cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What does "en loco parentis" mean?

in place of parents, authorities responsible for minors

What was the group of women who focused on juvenile reform called?

Child Savers

What principle guides decisions in juvenile courts?

best interest of the child

What is a status offense?

only illegal for juveniles

What is shelter care?

A temporary, physically unrestricted facility for housing children in the juvenile justice system.

In PA, what term describes bringing juveniles back to the community after placement?

Aftercare.

Which PA agency handles abused children or those under 10 accused of delinquent acts?

Office of Children and Youth Services.

What age is a person considered a juvenile.

Under 18 years old

Which Supreme Court case established due process rights for juveniles?

In re Gault (1967).

What happens at a detention hearing?

A judge decides if a juvenile should be held in custody before adjudication.

What is the purpose of a disposition hearing?

To determine the placement or rehabilitation plan for a juvenile after adjudication.

What occurs during an adjudication hearing?

Judge evaluates evidence, decides if guilty or delinquent

Are juveniles entitled to a court hearing if they claim not guilty?

Yes (True).

Must juveniles receive written notice of charges against them?

Yes (True).

In PA, what type of offender is a juvenile who runs away from home?

A status offender.

What rights did In re Gault guarantee juveniles?

Right to notice of charges, counsel, confrontation of witnesses, protection against self

Why was the first Juvenile Court Act (Illinois, 1899) significant?

Separated courts for juveniles, focused on rehabilitation, children and adults not grouped

What did Miller v. Alabama (2012) rule?

juveniles life sentences with no parole; age must be considered for potential rehabilitation

Delinquent Offense

No juveniles, yes adult