Juvenile Court System: Key Cases, Procedures, and Legal Protections

Juvenile Court

Specialized court system established to handle cases involving minors separately from adults.

Purpose of Juvenile Court

To rehabilitate rather than punish; focused on guidance, protection, and reform of youth.

Establishment of Juvenile Court

Late 19th-early 20th century in the U.S., responding to the need to separate juveniles from adult criminal system.

Juvenile Court Due Process Issues

Courts must balance rehabilitation with constitutional protections (right to notice, counsel, confrontation, and cross-examination).

In re Gault (1967)

Guaranteed juveniles due process rights (notice, counsel, right to confront witnesses).

In re Winship (1970)

Established 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' standard for juvenile delinquency.

Kent v. United States (1966)

Required due process before transferring juveniles to adult court.

McKeiver v. Pennsylvania (1971)

Ruled juveniles do not have a constitutional right to a jury trial.

Breed v. Jones (1975)

Prohibited trying juveniles in both juvenile and adult court for the same offense (no double jeopardy).

Three Types of Juvenile Court Hearings

(1) Detention hearing, (2) Adjudication hearing, (3) Disposition hearing.

Transfer of Juveniles to Adult Criminal Court

Juveniles can be moved to adult court through:

Judicial Waiver

Judge decides transfer after hearing.

Prosecutorial Waiver / Direct File

Prosecutor has discretion to file in adult court.

Statutory Exclusion

Certain offenses or age automatically fall under adult court jurisdiction.

Youthful Offender Status

Special legal designation allowing juveniles to receive adult sentencing but with certain protections or reduced penalties.

Goals of Juvenile Justice System

Rehabilitation, prevention of recidivism, and reintegration into society.