What is Juvenile Justice?
Juvenile justice refers to the area of criminal law applicable to individuals not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In most states, the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years. Juvenile law is primarily governed by state law and most states have enacted a juvenile code. The main goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation rather than punishment. Minors who commit criminal acts typically go through a juvenile justice process, which often includes involvement from social services and educational systems. This system emphasizes treatment and prevention with the understanding that youth are still developing and therefore have a greater chance of reforming their behavior compared to adults. The juvenile justice system operates according to the premise that youth are fundamentally different from adults, both in terms of level of responsibility and potential for rehabilitation. The treatment and services provided by the juvenile justice system are int