What are the major similarities and differences between the juvenile and adult justice systems? In your opinion, should juveniles continue to receive what many regard as preferential treatment by the courts? Why or why not?
Juvenile & Adult Justice System
Full Answer Section
Differences
- The age of the offender: The juvenile justice system is designed for offenders who are under the age of 18. The adult justice system is designed for offenders who are 18 years of age or older.
- The presumption of innocence: In the juvenile justice system, there is a presumption of innocence. This means that the offender is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. In the adult justice system, there is a presumption of guilt. This means that the offender is presumed to be guilty until proven innocent.
- The severity of the punishment: The punishments in the juvenile justice system are typically less severe than the punishments in the adult justice system. For example, juveniles are less likely to be sentenced to prison.
- The focus on treatment: The juvenile justice system is more focused on treatment than the adult justice system. This means that the juvenile justice system is more likely to offer programs that are designed to help offenders change their behavior.
Sample Answer
The juvenile and adult justice systems are similar in that they both aim to protect the public from crime and to rehabilitate offenders. However, there are also some important differences between the two systems.
Similarities
- The goal of rehabilitation: Both the juvenile and adult justice systems aim to rehabilitate offenders. This means that they both try to help offenders change their behavior so that they are less likely to reoffend.
- The use of diversion programs: Both the juvenile and adult justice systems use diversion programs. These programs are designed to keep offenders out of the formal justice system and to provide them with the help they need to address the underlying causes of their offending.
- The focus on the individual: Both the juvenile and adult justice systems focus on the individual offender. This means that they both try to understand why the offender committed the crime and to tailor the treatment to the individual's needs.