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Simple English definitions for legal terms
juvenile-justice system
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A quick definition of juvenile-justice system:
The juvenile-justice system is a group of people who help young people who have broken the law. This group includes judges, lawyers, police officers, probation officers, and social workers. They work together to make sure that the young person is treated fairly and that they receive the right punishment for what they did wrong.
A more thorough explanation:
The juvenile-justice system is a group of institutions that a young offender goes through until their charges are resolved or their punishment is completed. This system includes:
- Juvenile courts, which are made up of judges and lawyers
- Law enforcement, such as the police
- Corrections, which includes probation officers and social workers
For example, if a teenager is caught stealing, they may be taken into custody by the police and brought before a juvenile court. The judge will then decide on an appropriate punishment, which could include probation or community service. The probation officer will then work with the teenager to make sure they complete their punishment and stay out of trouble in the future.
The juvenile-justice system is designed to help young offenders learn from their mistakes and become productive members of society. It is important to remember that these are still children who need guidance and support to make positive changes in their lives.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act | juvenile offender