Correctional Systems Juvenile and Adult Term Paper

In numerous states, specific laws which govern how juvenile offenders are treated in the court and prison systems are separate "from the criminal code used for adult offenders," a situation which can often be found in other state correctional systems. Of course, all those convicted of crimes against society "must be held accountable for their actions," yet when dealing with young offenders, most state courts seems to stress this idea to the maximum while also taking in account that "the basis of a sound juvenile justice system lies in getting to the root causes of delinquent and law-breaking behavior," meaning that early intervention is far more important for young offenders that it is for older offenders. Basically, much more emphasis is placed on treatment programs, education and "preparing juveniles to re-enter" society as responsible adults than in adult correctional systems ("Juvenile Services," 2007, Internet).

Also, there are a number of lower-level offenses "which apply to juveniles but not to adult" offenders in most state-operated correctional systems. One of these is truancy which generally applies to juveniles who skip school on a daily basis. Of course, this "offense" does not apply to adults, simply because they are of legal age. Also, the length of probation varies greatly between juvenile and adult offenders and in the case of young people, probation "cannot extend beyond their 18th birthday," while with adult offenders, probation can and usually does extend for longer period of time depending on the severity and nature of the crime committed ("Juvenile

Services," 2007, Internet).

References

Juveniles in the Adult System." (2007). Internet. Retrieved at http://law.jrank.org/pages/1532/Juveniles-in-Adult-System-Youthfulness-proportional-punishment-death-penalty.html.

Juvenile Services: FAQ's about the Dallas Juvenile Department." (2007). Internet. Retrieved at http://www.dallascounty.org/department/juvenile/faqs.htm.