How do juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal proceedings?

Because juveniles do not have a constitutional right to a jury trial unless tried as an adult, judges hear most juvenile cases. Juveniles also do not have a right to a public trial or to bail.

Under most state laws, juvenile offenders do not commit "crimes." They commit delinquent acts, some of which are acts that would constitute crimes if committed by an adult. The trial phase of a juvenile case is an adjudication hearing. This means that the judge hears the evidence and determines whether the child is delinquent. The court may then take whatever action it deems to be in the child's best interest. The purpose is to rehabilitate, not punish.

>>How do juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal proceedings?
>>How are juvenile proceedings similar to adult proceedings?
>>When are juveniles tried as adults?
>>What is a parent's responsibility in juvenile cases?

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