What is the difference between juvenile and adult court?

In Pennsylvania, there is a big difference between juvenile and adult court that everyone should be aware of. Juvenile court is a court that deals with the legal issues of minors, people under the age of 18. The purpose of this court is to rehabilitate, not to punish, young offenders and to help them become productive members of society. On the other hand, adult court deals with the legal issues of adults, people over the age of 18. This court is designed to enforce legal standards and to hold people accountable for their violations. In juvenile court, the proceedings are much less formal. Judges are more likely to consider what is best for the minor rather than blindly following the law to the letter. The focus is on understanding the circumstances that led to the crime and helping the juvenile to learn from their mistakes. In some cases, a judge may choose to put the juvenile in a rehabilitation program instead of jail. On the other hand, adult courts follow strict guidelines that have been laid out in the law. A judge is not allowed to be lenient in their ruling and must sentence the offender according to the law. Overall, it is important to understand the differences between juvenile and adult court in Pennsylvania. Juvenile court is much more focused on rehabilitation, while adult court is focused on punishment and accountability. Knowing the difference can help people understand how the court process works in the state.

Related FAQs

What is a juvenile diversion program?
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in juvenile court?
Can juveniles be tried as adults?
How can a juvenile offender's criminal record be expunged?
What is the difference between a juvenile delinquency hearing and an adult criminal trial?
What constitues a crime in juvenile court?
How is a juvenile's future affected by a criminal record?
How can juveniles protect their rights in court?
When can a juvenile case be referred to adult court?
What is the purpose of a juvenile justice program?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding the Basics of Juvenile Law - July 31, 2023
Explaining Juvenile Law – A Comprehensive Guide - July 31, 2023
How Juvenile Law Affects Young Offenders - August 7, 2023
Juvenile Rights: What You Need to Know - August 7, 2023
The Difference Between Juvenile and Adult Court - August 14, 2023