There are many significant differences between the juvenile and adult Justice systems. There has been speculation that the leniency found within the juvenile courts is not always the best option for all cases. In the juvenile courts, rehabilitation of the individual is the primary focus. Within the adult courts due process and retribution are considered more so than the latter.
One of the main differences in the juvenile and adult courts is the terminology which is used. For juveniles who are brought into court, the terminology refers to the situation as an "act of delinquency". In the adult court the term "crime" is used. Another difference is the way in which the juvenile offender's background is taken into consideration. For instance, the juvenile's academic record and family background are taken into consideration for the case. This is not always true in the case of the adult offender .
The juvenile courts tend to focus on the individualized rehabilitation of the offender. The adult courts tend to focus on the "expression of the community's disapproval for the illegal behavior with an appropriate amount of punishment for every conviction.
The next stage is even more complex pertaining to the juvenile. Juvenile offenders are not arrested like an adult; they are instead taken into custody. While an adult would be indicted the juvenile has a petition filed against them. In the juvenile court they agree to a finding or deny the petition. Adult offenders must plea, either guilty, not guilty or no contest. In the juvenile court the case can have an adjustment made to it. While in the adult court this is known as a plea bargain. From that point, the juvenile court will decide if the juvenile offender will remain or be placed into a detention facility or child care shelter. Adults in this aspect of due process will be sent to, or returned to jail. The next step for