How are juvenile proceedings similar to adult proceedings?

The fundamental elements of due process apply in a juvenile proceeding as they do in the criminal trial of an adult. For example, a child charged in a juvenile proceeding is entitled to:

• notice of charges given in advance of any adjudication of delinquency;
• an attorney, including one paid for by the state if the family cannot afford one;
• the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses; and
• the right to assert his or her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

Finally, the state is required to prove its charges beyond a reasonable doubt, just as in the trial of any adult on a criminal charge.

>>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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