Why Are Juveniles Treated Differently Than Adults?
According to A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual, juveniles are treated differently under the law for a variety of historically-based assumptions modern society has of young adults: Laws treat juveniles differently from adults for a few reasons. First, people think that because juveniles are not as mature as adults, juveniles are unable to understand their wrongful actions to the extent that adults can. Second, people think juveniles are less dangerous to the community than adults. Third, people think it is easier to teach juveniles to obey laws in the future. Fourth, the government thinks that because juveniles can be educated as to why the crimes they have committed are wrong, juvenile offenders can eventually become contributing members of society. Therefore, the goal of the juvenile justice system is not only to hold you accountable for your actions, but also to provide you with treatment and rehabilitative services. Penalties for juvenile crimes can range from probation to commitment to t
