Differences Between Juvenile & Adult Court
Although adult and juvenile courts vary from state to state, there are still some important factors that distinguish the two court systems. For instance, juvenile court is for anyone under the age of 18 years old; however, adult court is for anyone over 18 years old -- with an exception. A child accused of serious crimes such as murder can be bound over or transferred to adult court.
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Purpose for Juvenile and Adult Courts
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The purposes for adult and juvenile courts vary. Juvenile court is focused on rehabilitating or helping children; it's concerned with the health, welfare and morale of children. Children who haven't committed crimes, but have been neglected or abused by their parents or guardians will have their cases heard in juvenile court. The state -- in those cases -- represents the child. In adult court, however, the state is always seeking to prove the adult committed the crime. Also, the purpose for adult court is punishment. The adult court is not focused on rehabilitating an individual, but rather ensures justice is served.
Difference in Constitutional Rights
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Adult court provides an individual with greater Constitutional rights than is available in juvenile court. For example, an adult has the right to be tried by a judge or jury of their peers. A minor doesn't have that right in juvenile court. Instead, a juvenile-court judge decides whether a minor has broken the law and what the punishment is. Another difference between adult and juvenile court systems is bail. In a bail hearing in adult court, a person has the right to request bail or an amount to pay to leave custody. However, a bail hearing doesn't exist in juvenile court; to leave custody, a minor must prove she isn't a flight risk or danger to the community, according to Just Cause Law Collective.
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Difference in Sentencing Options
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When a person is found guilty in an adult court, he receives a sentence based on state or federal statutes. For instance, a misdemeanor can result in probation or jail time. A felony will result in a person going to prison. In juvenile court, sentencing options are called disposition orders. A judge can sentence a minor to serve time in a detention facility, receive counseling or be placed under house arrest.
Terminology
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The terminology in adult and juvenile courts is different. For instance, a minor in juvenile court is considered a respondent. A person in adult court is called a defendant. Outcome in a case is called a verdict in adult court; it is adjudication in juvenile court.
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References
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