Comparison Juvenile Courts and Adult Courts

Comparing Juvenile and Adult Courts

To evaluate and sanction juvenile offenders, the juvenile court system implies certain features of the adult court system. There are numerous differences and similarities when comparing adult and juvenile courts. When, an adult is charged for a criminal action and is found guilty he or she will have a criminal record throughout his or her life and may struggle to get a job upon freedom of incarceration because of the criminal record (Champion, 2010). In the other hand, Juveniles are adjudicated in a civil proceeding, when he or she reaches the majority age no criminal record will be implied because juvenile records become expunged or sealed upon reaching adulthood. When comparing adult to juvenile court proceedings, adults are extremely more formal than juvenile courts to determine a guilty verdict the adult court standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense lawyers will present exculpatory evidence to show that the defendant is innocent. Whereas, the prosecution will present inculpatory evidence to established the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt (Champion, 2010).

Detention of a Juvenile Prior to Adjudication

Detaining a juvenile prior to any formal action to adjudicate allows law enforcement numerous benefits. Foremost, law enforcement can prevent juveniles from further engaging in delinquent behavior or criminal activity that can bring harm upon the juvenile or society, which alleviates further victimization. In addition, law enforcement has the capability of gathering information concerning the juvenile, such as taken photos and figure prints, potential criminal acts committed, the juveniles age, height, weight, gender, and residence, and if the juvenile has been registered as a runaway. Law enforcement can further determine if the juvenile is under the influence of an illegal substance or alcohol, or needs medical treatment. With this information law enforcement can contact...