Essay
The juvenile and adult justice systems are similar in various ways. For instance, in both systems, the rights afforded to a minor and an adult during the course of proceedings are similar. As such, both the minor and the adult have the right to a lawyer, the right to scrutinize and cross-examine witnesses, the right to know the charges brought against them and can claim the 5th Amendment against self-incrimination (Clear, Reisig & Cole, 2012). Another similarity is that in both systems, the prosecution is required to prove the charges against an individual beyond a shadow of a doubt. Also, both the adult and the minor have the right to be heard.
The juvenile and adult systems also have some differences. To begin with, wrong behaviors conducted by minors are referred to as delinquent acts while wrong conducts committed by adults are referred to as crimes. This is an indication that the infraction the minor is believed to have done is of a less serious nature. Another difference pertains to aim. The courts seek to punish adults found culpable of engaging in crime (Clear, Reisig & Cole, 2012). In essence, they try to inflict a penalty that will discourage the adult from engaging in the same crime in future. Imprisonment is the most common type of punishment. In contrast, the juvenile court system puts focus on attempting to rehabilitate the minor. Probation and parole are normally utilized, as are diversionary programs. Another difference in the adult and juvenile systems relates to hearings. The criminal proceedings of an adult are open to the public (Clear, Reisig & Cole, 2012). This means that the public can be informed about the proceedings and even follow them. On the other hand, the criminal proceedings of a juvenile are closed to the public (Clear, Reisig & Cole, 2012). This furthers the inclination of the court to rehabilitate minors, by keeping their activities from being exposed to public record.
Reference
Clear, T. R., Reisig, M. D., & Cole, G. F. (2012). American corrections. Cengage Learning.
