The History of the Juvenile Court System

The history of juvenile court system dates back to 1899 when the society saw the need to determine the difference between adults and children regarding various crimes they committed. While the court perceived that children below the age of 7 years did not understand the impacts of their crimes, those above the 14 years were considered as adults who could face punishment from the state. Notably, juvenile courts were first established in Chicago, and New York City under the philosophy of parens patriae, meaning parents of the country that allowed the state to resume guardianship of juveniles were exposed to neglect, delinquent or criminal activities. Despite its resolution to detain juveniles who engaged in crimes, the focus of the court was to rehabilitate juveniles to acquire good behavior rather than punish them for their crimes. Notably, juvenile courts around the world share diverse similarities and objectives concerning their roles in rehabilitating behavior. Contrary to the adult criminal system that focuses on punishing a wrong behavior, juvenile courts perceive children as individuals who need help; hence, the juries are mandated to act in the best interest of the child. Despite their presentation before the court, the proceedings are closed from the public, and the records are treated to be confidential to enhance the child’s ability to rehabilitate without prejudice. Despite the advantages that juvenile court systems present, they also encounter diverse challenges such as perception from the public that interferes with the justice purpose of the courts in managing behavior. In particular, various policymakers and members of the public advocate that juveniles who are engaged in crimes should be treated as adults. The court also encounters controversies concerning the period that is suitable for detaining juveniles in correctional schools during the rehabilitation of behaviors as far as their bonds with the family members and peers are concerned.