There is a fundamental - and controversial - question at the heart of juvenile
justice law in the United States: When should the law treat a teenager like a
child and when like an adult?
This unit offers an introduction to the juvenile justice system - how and when
it began, who it involves, what it does, and why.
Objectives
Present basic information about the origins, purposes, and workings of the
juvenile justice system.
Highlight some leading decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States on
the rights of juveniles under the U.S. Constitution.
Materials
Reading: Juveniles and the Law
Activity: Same or Different?
Source: Defining Juveniles in Illinois and Federal Law
Source: Comparing Illinois Criminal and Juvenile Justice
Last updated: September 15, 2006
Please forward all inquiries regarding the website to
webmaster@crfc.org
.
This website is provided courtesy of the Constitutional Rights
Foundation
Chicago. Copyright 1998-2006.