juvenile

A young person who has not yet attained the age at which he or she should be treated as an adult for purposes of criminal law. In some states, this age is seventeen. Under the federal Juvenile Delinquency Act, a "juvenile" is a person who has not attained his eighteenth birthday. 18 U.S.C.A. No. 5031. A term which may be, though not commonly is, applied to a person who has not reached his or her legal majority for purposes of contracting, marrying, etc. In law, the terms "juvenile" and "minor" are usually used in different contexts; the former used when referring to young criminal offenders, the latter to legal capacity or majority.

See also minor

- youthful offenders

@ juvenile courts

A court having special jurisdiction, of a paternal nature, over delinquent, dependent, and neglected children. In juvenile court proceedings, due process requires that juveniles have right to notice of charges, to counsel, to confrontation and cross-examination of witnesses, and to privilege against self-incrimination. In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 87 S.Ct. 1428, 18 L.Ed.2d 527

@ juvenile delinquency

Participation in illegal behavior by a minor who falls under a statutory age limit.

See also delinquent child

@ juvenile delinquent

See delinquent child

@ juvenile offenders

See delinquent child

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