Juvenile and Adult Courts: A Comparative Analysis

There are many significant differences between the juvenile and adult courts. There has been speculation that the leniency found within the juvenile courts is not always the best option for all cases. In the juvenile courts, rehabilitation of the individual is the primary focus. Within the adult courts due process and retribution are considered more important than the individual themselves. (Juvenile Delinquency, the Core)

One of the main differences in the juvenile and adult courts is the terminology which is used. For juveniles who are brought into court, the terminology refers to the situation as an "act of delinquency". In the adult court the term "crime" is used. Another difference is the way in which the juvenile offender's background is taken into consideration. For instance, the juvenile's academic record and family background are taken into consideration for the case (Brick by Brick). This is not true in the case of the adult. Adults do not receive this special consideration when they are in front of the judge. 

The juvenile courts tend to focus on the individualized rehabilitation of the offender. The adult courts tend to focus on the "expression of the community's disapproval for the illegal behavior with an appropriate amount of punishment for every conviction." (Brick by Brick) It is interesting that when offenders are in the adult courts that we no longer take into consideration their backgrounds or special circumstances. It seems that as a society, we tend to try and protect our children regardless of their actions.

The juvenile courts have several steps that the adult courts do not. The juvenile courts begin with the term of delinquent, and the act is referred to as a delinquent act. In the case of the adult, the person is known as a criminal who committed a crime. It would seem that there is severe labeling from the beginning of the case. To clarify the term labeling, it can be described as a common occurrence in our lives. When children are referred to as delinquents or adults are called criminals for their actions, this is an example of labeling.