The Characteristics of the Juvenile Justice System

Holtz Learning Centers provide continuing education and training for criminal justice and law enforcement professionals. By offering classroom courses and seminars at locations across New Jersey, Holtz Learning Centers provides quality educational opportunities to help individuals stay up to date and knowledgeable about important aspects of law enforcement, such as juvenile justice. The juvenile justice system is different from the adult justice system in a number of ways. Rather than commit crimes, juvenile offenders commit delinquent acts. This distinction takes into account the idea that young people have a weaker understanding of the law and the potential consequences of their actions. For some serious crimes, juveniles may be tried as adults. However, for less serious offensives, the juvenile system is appropriate and effective at getting young people back on track. A main goal of the juvenile justice system is to help young individuals become law-abiding adults. The system typically allows juvenile offenders to have their records cleared, or expunged, when they turn 18. This way, the mistakes of a persons youth do not necessarily follow them into adulthood.