Juvenile Justice

Early History  Early in U.S. history, children who broke the law were treated the same as adult criminals.  The first juvenile court in this country was established in Cook County, Illinois, in  Juvenile courts flourished for the first half of the 20th century.  Early in U.S. history, children who broke the law were treated the same as adult criminals.  The first juvenile court in this country was established in Cook County, Illinois, in  Juvenile courts flourished for the first half of the 20th century.

Procedures and Process  The focus on offenders and not offenses, on rehabilitation and not punishment, had substantial procedural impact.  As public confidence in the treatment model waned, due process protections were introduced. some stress punishment, but most seek a balanced approach.  The focus on offenders and not offenses, on rehabilitation and not punishment, had substantial procedural impact.  As public confidence in the treatment model waned, due process protections were introduced. some stress punishment, but most seek a balanced approach.

The Pendulum Swings…  In the 1980s, the pendulum began to swing toward law and order.  The 1990s were a time of unprecedented change as State legislatures began to crack down on juvenile crime.  In the 1980s, the pendulum began to swing toward law and order.  The 1990s were a time of unprecedented change as State legislatures began to crack down on juvenile crime.

U.S. Supreme Court cases  pdf pdf  pdf pdf

State statutes define who is under the jurisdiction of juvenile court.

The juvenile justice system differs from the criminal justice system, but there is common ground.

All States allow juveniles to be tried as adults in criminal court under certain circumstances.

New laws have had a dramatic impact on sentencing for serious or violent juvenile offenders.