What is the Juvenile Definition?
In the legal system, a juvenile is a person under the age of 18 who is not considered an adult for the purposes of criminal prosecution. Juveniles who commit crimes are usually handled through the juvenile justice system rather than the adult criminal justice system.
The Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate young offenders rather than punish them. It focuses on providing counseling, education, and other services to help juveniles turn their lives around and avoid future criminal behavior.
Examples of Juvenile Offenses
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Underage drinking
- Drug possession
Case Studies
One famous case of a juvenile offender is that of Lionel Tate, who was convicted of murdering a 6-year-old girl when he was just 12 years old. Tate’s case sparked debate about whether juveniles should be held to the same standards of responsibility as adults.
Juvenile Crime Statistics
According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, juvenile crime rates have been steadily declining in recent years. However, there are still significant disparities in how juveniles of different races are treated in the justice system.
