Criminal Justice Juvenile Rights Essay Example

suggests that juveniles should receive a punishment that does not cause physical or mental harm. The judgment for juveniles focuses on their unique needs and safeguards their fundamental rights. Unlike adults, who are considered to have intentionally committed crimes, juveniles are seen as immature and in need of rehabilitation rather than punishment. Consequently, when juveniles commit offenses, the police may opt to issue warnings or cautions depending on the seriousness of the offense.

The reasoning behind this approach is centered on the idea that children lack sound judgment and can easily be influenced by peers or family backgrounds (Gordon, 2016). However, the severity of the offense determines whether they are given a mere warning, placed in custody, or left alone. In contrast, adults seldom receive warnings and are usually taken directly to court without any negotiations. According to Gordon (2016), the circumstances and quality of life that juveniles experience also affect the judgments they receive, granting them different rights compared to adults. It is considered unfair to indiscriminately punish juveniles without taking into account the conditions they face, especially when their actions may be driven by a need for self-protection.

They may require assistance or support, and when provided, they undergo significant transformations. Unlike juveniles, adults are not given the same level of priority for their well-being and are often regarded as capable of making sound decisions to resolve their own issues.