The Juvenile Justice System
A Justice Sytem For Youth
Important Terms
- juvenile- a child or young person under the age set by law (usually 18 years)
- rehabilitate- restore to useful life, usually through treatment and education
- delinquent- having failed to do what the law requires, according to a judicial ruling
- restitution- act of making up in some way for the harm caused by the accused person
Main Ideas
- The juvenile justice system Is designed to deal with youths that break the law.
- Reformers of the 1800s believed that the real causes of juvenile crime were a lack of moral education and standards.
- Children and young people found guilty of crimes were prosecuted in criminal court, given the same sentences as adults, and put in the same jails as adults.
- Each state has its own juvenile justice system with its own laws and practices.