Juvenile Law

Juvenile Law is the area of law that deals with criminal law involving persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In most states, the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years.

Juvenile law is mainly governed by state law and most states have enacted a juvenile code. The main goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, juveniles can be transferred into adult court if the juvenile court waives or relinquishes its jurisdiction.

Factors that increase the likelihood that a juvenile will engage in criminal activity include:

• Poor academic performance, poor attendance, expulsion, or dropping out of school are associated with higher rates of juvenile crime;
• Family problems, including sexual or physical abuse, neglect, a history of criminal activity by a family member, and abandonment are associated with higher rates of juvenile crime. Family problems also indicate a lack of parental control;
• Substance abuse, including arrests for drug or alcohol possession or sale, and the impact of substance abuse on juvenile behavior are associated with higher rates of juvenile crime. Alcohol or drug use can lower a person's inhibitions, making it easier to engage in criminal activity, and drug users may engage in criminal activities to obtain money to purchase drugs;
• Gang membership, , especially at an early age, is strongly associated with future criminal activity
• Gun possession is a factor that "magnifies" juvenile crime by making offenses more likely to result in injury or death.