Final answer:
The main difference between adult and juvenile court systems is the age of the offender, with juvenile courts focusing on rehabilitation and adult courts on punishment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most prominent distinction between the adult and juvenile court systems is b) the age of the offender. Juvenile courts typically handle cases involving individuals under the age of 18. These courts focus more on rehabilitation rather than punishment, taking into account the development and potential for change in young offenders.
The adult criminal justice system, on the other hand, emphasizes the severity of punishment, based on the crime committed, to deter and incapacitate criminals. Legal representation is present in both systems, and the type of offenses can overlap, although juveniles may be charged in ways that reflect their age and potential for rehabilitation.