Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the history of the juvenile justice system and why the doctrine of parens patriae shapes and maintains the current system.
  2. Define the important concepts and terminology found in the juvenile justice system, and summarize important Supreme Court cases with respect to juvenile rights.
  3. Evaluate current rates of juvenile offenses and the differences in offending patterns for girls and minorities.
  4. Describe the various steps in the juvenile justice system and how they are similar to and different from steps in the adult system.
  5. Identify the rights of victims of juvenile delinquency and how they differ from victims of crimes committed by adults.