What is the difference between juvenile justice and the adult justice system?

The juvenile justice system in California is not the same as the adult justice system. Juvenile justice is a specialized system of laws, policies, and procedures intended to address the unique needs of minors who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. In contrast, the adult justice system is an established system of laws, policies, and procedures intended to address the needs of adults who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. Juveniles and adults have different levels of criminal responsibility and accountability for their actions, and the justice system treats them differently. In juvenile justice systems, there is often an emphasis on rehabilitation and providing a second chance to delinquent minors through the use of alternative sentencing options such as community service, counseling, or probation. In addition, court proceedings for juveniles are often closed to the public to protect minors from future stigma and loss of privacy. In adult criminal justice systems, there is a greater emphasis on punishing offenders for their crimes and ensuring that justice is served. Sentencing for adult offenders often includes lengthy prison terms and hefty fines. Additionally, proceedings for adults are open to the public, allowing victims and their families to get closure. Overall, the juvenile justice system provides an alternative way of addressing and dealing with cases involving minors, with an emphasis on rehabilitating juvenile offenders. In contrast, the adult justice system focuses more on punishing adult offenders.

What is the difference between juvenile justice and the adult justice system?

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