The judicial system of the US is very ‘vocal’ in the protection of juveniles. It is tailored to ensure that juvenile offenders get as much help as they can so that they are able to rehabilitate their tendencies or behavior. Adult offenders are also assisted by the justice system to reform. In the state of Texas, juveniles are protected from any form of abuse right from the time of an arrest to the type and nature of sentence or punishment they receive (Texas Juvenile Justice Department, 2018). Also, they are guarded against unjustified arrests or accusations that do not pertain to their character or conduct. The element of mental illness is also considered so that wrongful prosecution can be avoided. Generally, juveniles are shielded from heavy punishment or facing the ‘full force’ of the law. For instance, most of the juveniles who break the law are accused of ‘delinquent acts’ instead of ‘committing crimes.’ In fact, delinquent acts are normally perceived to carry ‘less weight’ (Champion, 2003).
Adult offenders are protected from wrongful arrests or abuse during arrests. Also, the aspect of mental illness is factored in for adults so that they are not prosecuted inconsiderately. The justice system protects adults from any form of deprivation of their constitutional rights during arrest, remand, bails, court hearings, and even prosecution. Several similarities exist between the adult and juvenile systems. Both are protected from all forms of abuse and law misappropriations. Also, mental health is prioritized for both adults and juveniles. However, adult offenders are not protected as much as juveniles. While juveniles commit delinquent acts, adults commit crimes. In addition, the incarceration system of juveniles is more appealing and ‘friendly’ as compared to that of adults (Krisberg, 2005). There are also more rehabilitation and counseling programs rolled out for the juveniles as compared to adult offenders. This implies that juveniles have more protection against aspects that may lead to them committing more delinquent acts as compared to adult offenders.
- Champion, D. J. (2003). The Juvenile Justice System: Delinquency, Processing, and the Law. Pearson/Prentice Hall.
- Krisberg, B. (2005). Juvenile Justice: Redeeming Our Children. SAGE Publishers.
- Texas Juvenile Justice Department (2018). Retrieved from http://www.tjjd.texas.gov/careers.aspx
