Juveniles Vs Adult Offenders

In contemporary society, there is a debate over whether a separate justice system should exist for juveniles and adults. While some juveniles have demonstrated the need for a separate justice system for juveniles, others have proven otherwise. There are separate justice systems for juvenile and adult offenders because of the belief that the mind of juveniles can be reformed unlike adult offenders. However, the juvenile justice system is similar to the adult justice system in many ways. In terms of the rights of the offenders, both juvenile and adult offenders have the right to an attorney, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to protection against self-incrimination, the right to notice of charges, and prosecution needs proof beyond a reasonable doubt
Additionally, in both the juvenile and adult justice system, sentencing utilizes offense history and the severity of the crime. The juvenile justice system is distinct than the adult justice system in terms of their purpose, the role of the court, the pre-adjudication programs available, the trial procedures, and the sentencing process used. Unlike the adult justice system whose goal is to punish, the priority of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate and reform juvenile offenders. Additionally, the court or state has the right and responsibility to act like the parent for a child if the family is unable to do so through the Parens Patriae doctrine. In the juvenile justice system, juvenile offenders are given a hearing, whereas in the adult justice system, adult offenders are given a trial. Juveniles are prosecuted for committing delinquent acts. Adults are prosecuted for committing crimes. In other words, juveniles can be found to be delinquents while adults can be found innocent or guilty. During a hearing,