Juveniles Tried In an Adult Court

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Today, the court system in this country is divided into two groups when comparing juveniles and adults. One is the Adult Criminal Justice System, and the other is the Juvenile Justice System. The terminology can be very different between the two systems. For instance; if an adult is arrested, they will be subject to a bail hearing. If a juvenile is arrested they must go through a detention hearing. Adults have trials which can be decided by a judge or jury. Juveniles go through a fact finding hearing and don’t receive verdicts because they are adjudicated. “They are not found guilty, but delinquent or involved” (Komiscruk). Another difference between the two is that juvenile court rooms are usually closed to the public, which includes the media. Their records are often confidential, protecting children from carrying the burdens of their delinquent activity into adulthood. Also, their records are supposed to be sealed. But what happens when a juvenile’s criminal case is transferred to an adult court? Are the guidelines or rules different from any other adult offender? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the sentencing guidelines? For many years, states have believed that the juvenile justice system came about to protect the public by providing a system that helps children who are maturing into adulthood. States understand that children who commit crimes are different from adults. They believe that children are less blameworthy, and have a greater capacity for change. To make up for these differences, states have created a separate court system for juveniles, and they have created a separate, youth based system that is different than that provided to adults. The first juvenile justice system was esta... ... middle of paper ... .../shows/juvenile/stats/juvvsadult.html>. Komiscruk, K. Differences between juvenile and adult courts. 2004. . Larry J. Siegel, Brandon C. Welsh. "Juvenile Delinquency Theory, Practice, and Law." Linda Schreiber Ganster, n.d. 549. Mulvey, Edward P. Transfer of Juveniles to Adult Court. December 2012. . Redding, Richard E. Juvenile Justice Bulletin. June 2010. . Satchel, Roslyn M. Lost Opportunities: Our children are not rehabilitated when they are treated and incaracated as adults. n.d. . Virginia Rules. n.d. . Welsh, Larry J. Siegel Brandon C. "Juvenile Delinquency Theory, Practice, and Law." n.d. 79.

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