Law Library Articles
Top 10 Juvenile Crime Articles
The concept of “teenagers” did not exist until the 20th century. As Americans accepted the idea of a transition period between childhood and adulthood, the juvenile justice system became more important. Unlike the criminal justice system for adults, the juvenile system has always focused on reforming defendants rather than punishing them.
LegalMatch presents its top ten articles on Juvenile Crime Law to help give juvenile criminals a second chance.
1. Juvenile Crime
Google has an interesting variety of images for the search “juvenile crime.” Most images involve a teen in handcuffs. Other images depict a minor holding a weapon or breaking into a home. One cartoon portrays a kid pleading before a judge. And of course, Bart Simpson has his own mug shot. Are these images accurate depictions of juvenile crime? This article presents a basic over of the principles behind the prosecution of minors in our criminal justice system.
2. Juvenile Justice System
This article gives the first glimpse into the juvenile justice system. Although the juvenile justice system tries minors who have been charged with a crime, it would be a mistake to believe that the juvenile system is a criminal justice system for minors. Due to the nature of the defendants, the rules of the criminal justice system have been lessened or changed entirely for juveniles.
3. Juvenile vs. Adult Criminal System
Contrary to some beliefs, not every child who goes through the juvenile system is The Omen’s anti-Christ. Since children are not always aware about the impact of their actions, the juvenile system is built differently than the criminal system for adults. This article explains the differences and the similarities.
4. Most Common Juvenile Crimes
The media has a tendency to blow things out of proportion. When a juvenile crime is reported on television, the story is often the exception rather than the rule. The story of the fourteen year old that killed both his parents because they refused to let him play video games might make headlines, but this article shows what juvenile delinquents are actually capable of.
5. Underage Drinking Laws
One of the biggest mysteries in the world is why so many youth are in a hurry to become old. Drinking alcohol before the age of twenty-two can accelerate those experiences, although not in a manner that the youth would probably enjoy. Underage Drinking Laws covers the legal dimensions of underage drinking. You’re on your own with the vomiting though.
6. Access to Juvenile Crime Record
Access to juvenile criminal records presents one of the most interesting debates about our society. On the one hand, it is important that young people know that their actions have consequences on both their victims and themselves. On the other hand, constant rejection by employers, landlords, and universities can lead a young person to believe that crime is the only way to get ahead in the world. This article explores who can access juvenile criminal records and when.
7. Juvenile Disposition Hearing
One of the images on a Google search for “juvenile crime” is a kid pleading before a judge for mercy. Begging for leniency in a disposition hearing can be more effective than it would be in the criminal justice system, but there could be better options. This article describes how a minor can prepare for his or her juvenile disposition hearing.
8. Sentencing Options for Juvenile Crime
What happens to a minor after he or she has been sentenced in juvenile court? Most people believe that the law can only punish criminals by imprisoning them or forcing them to pay money. Shoplifters forced to wear “I stole from this store” signs are proof that judges are more creative in crafting punishments than minors expect. This article explains what types of punishments a juvenile delinquent can expect.
9. Parental Responsibility for Juvenile Crime
If Joey throws a wild party while the parents are away for the weekend, are the parents responsible if their son trashes the house? If Joey breaks into a neighbor’s house, are the parents responsible? This article describes when a parent might be liable for their child’s criminal behavior.
10. Juvenile Tried as an Adult
The top list of articles on juvenile crimes ends with the article on why a minor might not be tried in the juvenile justice system. In some cases, a minor might not want to be tried in the juvenile justice system. A minor who can figure out why being tried as an adult would be advantageous without reading a book on the subject should consider attending law school.
