Juvenile Trials, Essay Example

The purpose of trials in the justice system of the United States aims to reinforce a popular phrase found in the country’s Bill of Rights: “[One is] innocent until proven guilty” (“Innocent Until Proven Guilty”). However, the trial procedures governing juveniles and adults differ, as juveniles do not possess all of the same constitutional rights as an adult (How Do Juvenile Proceedings Differ from Adult Criminal Proceedings?- ABA Family Legal Guide).

To demonstrate, the purpose of a juvenile trial oftentimes makes rehabilitation efforts in an attempt to deter the individual from committing crimes as an adult. While both adult and juvenile trials share the same goal of proving guilt or innocence, adult criminals generally do not receive the same leniency and flexibility offered to juveniles. For instance, illegal actions committed by juveniles are not always defined as a “crime,” but as a “delinquent act” (How Do Juvenile Proceedings Differ from Adult Criminal Proceedings?- ABA Family Legal Guide). With that said, referring to the illegal activity of a juvenile as a delinquent act, while an adult committing the same offense is charged with a crime, proves the outcome and purpose of both types of trials vary.

Overall, I firmly believe the current juvenile trial and disposition system has proven effective. From a criminal justice perspective, it is paramount that individuals understand that while one may have a lapse in judgment in his/her youth, assuming further illegal activity will be reproduced in the individual’s adult life is unwarranted. Therefore, providing juveniles with an opportunity to redeem themselves is logical due to the individual being subjected to harsher consequences if he/she commits crimes as an adult. Furthermore, socially this system provides the opportunity for juveniles to lead a productive lifestyle when all legal proceedings are completed. All in all, I believe the juvenile trial and disposition system is a useful step toward allowing juveniles to learn from their mistakes and avoid making similar ones in the future.

Works Cited

“How Do Juvenile Proceedings Differ from Adult Criminal Proceedings?- ABA Family Legal Guide.” Find Your Legal Rights, Legal Information, Law for Common Legal Issues including Lawyers for Legal Advice or Legal Help to Your Legal Issues. Web. 01 July 2010. <http://public.findlaw.com/abaflg/flg-15-1-5.html>.

“Innocent Until Proven Guilty.” Self Incrimination. Web. 01 July 2010. <http://www.selfincrimination.org/innocentuntilprovenguilty.html>.