CJ Today CH13 Key Terms

adjudicatory hearing

A formal hearing in which the evidence is presented and a judge determines whether the juvenile committed the offense.

aftercare

Services and supervision provided to juveniles after they are released from a correctional facility.

age of onset

The age at which a juvenile first exhibits delinquent behavior.

aging out

The process by which juveniles grow out of delinquent behavior as they mature.

automatic transfer

The mandatory movement of certain juvenile cases to adult criminal court due to the nature of the offense or prior record.

boot camp

A correctional program using military-style discipline, physical training, and strict rules for juvenile offenders.

bullying

Repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt or intimidate another person, often occurring among school-aged youth.

child abuse

Physical, emotional, or sexual harm or risk of harm to a child, often inflicted by a caregiver.

child neglect

Failure of a caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, medical care, and supervision.

detention

The temporary custody of a juvenile in a secure facility pending court action or placement.

detention hearing

A hearing to determine whether a juvenile should be held in detention before trial.

disposition hearing

A hearing where the court determines the appropriate treatment or punishment for a juvenile found guilty.

graduated sanctions

A series of increasingly severe punishments or interventions used to address repeated delinquent behavior.

intake

The process by which authorities decide whether to release, refer, or detain a juvenile after arrest.

judicial waiver

A judge's decision to transfer a juvenile case to adult court.

juvenile delinquency

Participation in illegal behavior by a minor.

low-visibility decision making

Discretionary decisions made by officials without formal review or public scrutiny, often at early stages of juvenile justice.

parens patriae

The legal principle that allows the state to act as a guardian for those who cannot care for themselves.

petition

A formal request that initiates a juvenile court case, alleging the juvenile committed an offense.

predisposition report

A report prepared before sentencing that includes background information to help determine an appropriate disposition.

prosecutorial waiver

A prosecutor's decision to file charges against a juvenile in adult court.

referral

The process of directing a juvenile to the juvenile justice system by law enforcement, schools, or others.

residential treatment program

A live-in facility providing therapy and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders.

status offender

A juvenile who commits an act that is only considered illegal because of their age (e.g., truancy, curfew violations).

training school

A state-operated or private residential institution for juvenile offenders.

youth gang

A group of youths who engage in criminal activity and often identify with specific symbols or territories.