The criminal justice system is concerned with ensuring that both the defendant and the victim get justice. Therefore, the courts play an essential role in listening to cases and providing the final verdict. Whereas there is a range of offences committed by criminals of all ages, offenders are tried based on age. Markedly, juvenile courts for juvenile delinquents and the adult justice system try offenders above the age of majority. Therefore, there is a need to provide a detailed analysis of some of the critical similarities and differences between juvenile and adult justice systems. The study will also discuss why the juvenile justice system is different based on the justice system's principles. The American juvenile justice system is different from the adult justice system. This is evident because of the difficulty to expunge in the adult's justice system, serious punishment in the justice system, and rehabilitation for juveniles while adults face serious imprisonment.
Similarities between Juvenile Justice and Adult Justice Systems
The main similarity between the adult justice and juvenile justice system is that they both focus on punishing offenders based on their crimes. Whereas there are different ways of handling an offender when found guilty, the reality is that the defendant must face the consequences of their actions, whether adults or juveniles. For instance, the adult's justice system tends to apply imprisonment as a critical punishment strategy. Similarly, juvenile offenders also face punishment through fines and other restrictions they might face while under rehabilitation.
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Differences between Juvenile Justice and Adult Justice Systems
First, the main difference is that the juvenile justice system only uses a judge for trials, while the adult justice system applies the use of a jury. Markedly, the number of people who play a role in determining the case outcome is the main difference between a juvenile justice system and the adult justice system (Family Law, 2015). The adult justice system primarily applies juries who offer advice regarding their opinions on the case. Consequently, this means that the jury also plays an essential role in determining a case's outcome. Contrary, the juvenile justice system only focuses on using one judge during trials. It is only the judge who determines a case's outco0me without relying on the adversarial team.
Second, the other difference is that adult's courts tend to apply more severe punishment on offenders while juvenile courts are lenient. Arguably, the idea of leniency in juvenile courts is evident through various happenings. For instance, the notion that juveniles are underage and might have made wrong judgments is one of the key reasons they face lenient charges. Contrary, the adult courts apply punishment that matches the crime since an individual is considered old enough to make the right decision and judgement (Harris, Teitelbaum, & Birckhead, 2019). For instance, the idea of punishment in adults' courts and rehabilitation for juveniles proves that punishment is different. There are chances that a criminal will face imprisonment term depending on the crime that they have committed. Markedly, there are also instances where a criminal might face capital punishment if one is accused of a capital offence. However, the case is different for the juvenile justice system since these young offenders are only sentenced to undergo rehabilitation. Therefore, this difference proves that the juvenile justice system is lenient while the adult's justice system is strict.
Third, it is hard for one to expunge their criminal records in the adult justice system, but it is easy to seal a juvenile justice system. Markedly, the difficulty experienced in expunging a case in the adult justice system proves how the cases are handled seriously. There are reduced chances that an individual can completely get their cases from the criminal records. Consequently, this limits an individual from achieving some things such as employment since they do not have good conduct certification. Contrary, it is easier for the juvenile delinquent to get their case sealed. There are many instances where juvenile crimes are closed after the juvenile criminal reaches the age of majority. Consequently, this means that their offence is removed from criminal records and cannot limit them from achieving anything.
The reasons why Juvenile Courts are different from Adults Courts
The fact that juveniles' delinquents are underage based on the American majority age identification is why juvenile courts are different from adult's courts. Markedly, the American justice system focuses on applying fairness as much as justice is essential. For instance, it is fair to try juveniles in different courts since they are underage and might not have the capacity to make a sound decision (Scialabba, 2016). Anyone who is under 18 years is considered a juvenile in the American justice system. Second, juveniles also need rehabilitation more instead of punishment, which is another reason why the juvenile justice system is different. The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitating juvenile delinquents to ensure they develop into responsible adults. It is because of this consideration that they are tried under a different justice system.
In conclusion, t he American juvenile justice system is different from the adult justice system. This is evident because of the difficulty to expunge in the adults' justice system, severe punishment in the justice system, and rehabilitation for juveniles while adults face severe imprisonment. Markedly, the analysis has cited various similarities and differences between juvenile and adult justice systems. It is realistic to state that the difference exists since juveniles are underage and might have made wrong decisions.
References
Family Law. (2015, July 9). Similarities and Differences between Juvenile and Adult Court . Retrieved from Davi Law Group : https://www.dupagefamilylawattorneys.com/dupagedivorceblog/juvenile-and-adult-court
Harris, L. J., Teitelbaum, L. E., & Birckhead, T. R. (2019). Children, Parents, and the Law: Public and Private Authority in the Home, Schools, and Juvenile Courts. New York: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business.
Scialabba, N. (2016, October 3). Should Juveniles Be Charged as Adults in the Criminal Justice System? Retrieved from American Bar Association : https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/committees/childrens-rights/articles/2016/should-juveniles-be-charged-as-adults/
