Juvenile Court Case Study

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As discussed in previous chapters, parens patriae or “parent of the country” is the legal provision through which the state may assume ultimate parental responsibility for the custody, care and protection of children within its jurisdiction. It gives them a right to take care of minors and others who cannot take care of themselves. The state juvenile court is made up of purpose clauses that can fall into one or more of the five thematic categories. (Snyder and Sickmund 2006; 98) These five categories include balanced and restorative justice clauses, standard juvenile court act clauses, legislative guide clauses, clauses that emphasize punishment, deterrence, accountability or public safety, and clauses with traditional child welfare emphasis. …show more content…

The welfare model focuses on the “bests interests of the child” and the justice model focuses on youth being held responsible and accountable for their behavior. The jurisdiction of the juvenile court includes three classifications of children: those who are neglected, dependent or abused because those charged with their custody and control mistreat them or fail to provide proper care; those who are incorrigible, ungovernable or status offenders; and those who violate laws, ordinances and codes classified as penal or criminal. (Hess and Horthmann 2013; pg 301) Depending on the offender’s age and conduct determine the jurisdiction of the juvenile. As of June 3, 2010, seventeen states set the minimum age at 6, 7, 8, and 10. There is a minimum age because children are considered to be incapable of criminal intent and cannot be prosecuted like older people who commit crimes. Cases that include offenses like rape and murder can have concurrent jurisdictions, meaning that the juvenile and criminal court have authority over the case. Venue is the term used for the location where the trial is being held. There are three types of juvenile courts and they include independent and separate courts, part of a family court and a unit within a trial court. Juvenile courts include characteristics such as separate hearings for children’s cases, informal or chancery procedure, regular probation service, separate detention of children, special court and probation records and provisions for mental and physical

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