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How does Juvenile justice differ from adult criminal justice?

Laney Muge

Well, as far as I know, juvenile justice and adult criminal justice are two different systems that aim to deal with different age groups and offenses. Juvenile justice is focused on dealing with cases involving minors and young adults who are not yet capable of fully understanding the consequences of their actions or who may still have an opportunity for rehabilitation and reform. Adult criminal justice, on the other hand, deals with cases involving adults who have committed serious offenses and are accountable for their actions.

One of the main differences between juvenile and adult justice is the approach to punishment. In juvenile justice, the focus is more on rehabilitation and education, while in adult criminal justice, the focus is on punishment and deterrence. Juvenile courts aim to work with young offenders and their families to identify the root cause of their criminal behavior and provide them with the necessary support to address it. This may involve counseling, therapy, and vocational or educational training.

Another key difference between the two systems is the level of confidentiality and privacy afforded to minors. Juvenile court proceedings are usually closed to the public, and the records are sealed, in order to protect the identity and future prospects of the young offenders. In adult criminal justice, court proceedings are typically open to the public, and the offender's records are generally accessible to anyone.

There are also differences in the duration of punishment. In juvenile justice, the focus is on short-term punishments that aim to educate and rehabilitate the offender, with the hope that they will reform and continue on a positive path in the future. In adult criminal justice, however, the focus is on long-term punishments, such as prison sentences, to ensure that the offender is held accountable for their actions and to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Overall, I think there are pros and cons to both juvenile and adult justice systems, and it ultimately depends on the situation and the individual offender. Both systems aim to promote justice and protect the public, but they take different approaches to achieve these goals.