Analysis Essay 2 There are many similarities and differences between the adult and juvenile justice systems. Siegel and Welsh, (2008 p. 272), states that, “the components of the adult and the juvenile criminal processes are similar, but the juvenile system has a separate organizational structure. ” There are more differences than there are similarities, but only because the juvenile system is there to rehabilitate the child and not punish them. The adult system is aimed at “punishing the guilty”, (Siegel, Welsh, 2008, p. 275).
The juvenile system is very lenient on the offenders, but there are also significant similarities within the two systems. Juveniles are divided into delinquents and status offenders, adults are considered criminals. The most important similarity is that both the juvenile and adult systems have the right to have Miranda warnings. Juveniles didn’t have these rights in the nineteenth century. Now they are protected by the Fourth, Fourteenth and the Fifth Amendments. Juveniles have limited rights against unreasonable searches; adults are covered with almost all unreasonable searches.
Both systems have the right against self incrimination. They both have the right to an attorney. Although these rights are limited for juveniles, this is a step up from not being protected by the law at all. Analysis Essay 3 Adults are assumed innocent until proven guilty. For juveniles, guilt and innocence are not primary issues. The system focuses on the best interest of the child. Children can get rights to treatment for their behavior, but adults do not have the right to treatment. Juvenile procedures want to protect and treat the child.
With adults, the main concern is to punish them for what they’ve done wrong and try to reform them. Juveniles can’t get sentenced to jail or prison because they are reserved for adults. These differences focus on the brain function of the offender. Most states have an age limit for juveniles to be considered able to be punished as adults. Age is the key to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. For adults, the nature of the offense determines the jurisdiction for them, (Siegel, Welsh, 2008, p. 257). Another difference is that adults can get bail for their crimes, where juveniles can get released back to their parents or guardian.
Adults records are public and juvenile records are kept private and sealed. The record may even get destroyed. Adult cases are very open and must be given to the press. Adult trials are public and they have the right to a jury. Juveniles do not have the right to a jury, since their cases are private. Analysis Essay 4 I do feel that there are still enough differences because although the juvenile system has made progress in giving juveniles some protection within the law, some of the punishments are not harsh enough. Having a separate juvenile justice system is very much needed.
I think that having a system for the delinquents and for the status offenders is a great idea. For the juveniles that are seriously status offenders should have their own separate system that will work for them. That way the delinquents and the status offenders will not get mixed up in the system and will have no contact or influence on the delinquents. I feel that having influence on the delinquents can turn the delinquents into status offenders, so they should have a very separate system that will work for the both of them. References Siegel, L. J. , Welsh, B. C. (2008). Juvenile delinquency: the core. Cengage Learning
