What is the difference between a juvenile court and adult court?

In Washington, juvenile courts and adult courts serve different roles when it comes to criminal matters. Juvenile court, also known as delinquency court, is a court of law that handles cases involving minors typically under the age of 18. In this court, the judge has the power to decide whether a minor is guilty of the charges that were brought against them. If a minor is found guilty, the court can assess a variety of sanctions. These may include fines, restitution, probation, or community service. In contrast, adult court is when a case involving an adult is tried. In adult court, the judge, along with the jury, have the power to determine whether the accused is guilty of the crime that was charged. If the defendant is found guilty, the court will assess a punishment or sentence. Adult court may include a variety of punishments that range from fines to jail time. Punishments issued in juvenile court are typically more sympathetic than those issued in adult court. This is because the primary purpose of juvenile court is rehabilitation, while the focus of adult court is usually retribution. Overall, the main difference between juvenile and adult court is the power the judge has to decide whether a defendant is guilty, and what kind of sanctions should be imposed if they are found guilty. While the punishments handed down by juvenile courts are often more lenient than those handed down by adult courts, the focus of both systems is the same: to serve justice and ensure the safety of the community.

Related FAQs

What are the implications of mandatory minimum sentences for juvenile offenders?
Are juveniles ever given a second chance after committing a crime?
What happens if a juvenile breaks the probation or parole rules?
What is the difference between a “ward of the court” and a “juvenile delinquent”?
What is the purpose of using the juvenile justice system?
What is the process for appealing a juvenile court ruling?
How can parents support juvenile offenders?
What is an advisory board for juvenile offenders?
How has technology changed the way the juvenile justice system works?
What is the role of the prosecutor in a juvenile case?

What is the difference between a juvenile court and adult court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts