Final answer:
Juvenile courts focus on rehabilitation and privacy, often having closed proceedings and no jury trials, while adult courts emphasize punishment and deterrent, with public trials and the right to a jury.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Differences Between Juvenile and Adult Courts
There are several key differences between the juvenile and adult court systems that reflect the distinct goals and approaches to handling younger offenders. First, the juvenile court system is typically more focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The intention is to guide juveniles towards becoming productive members of society and preventing future delinquency. In contrast, the adult court system places greater emphasis on deterrence and retribution.
Secondly, privacy is a substantial distinction. Juvenile proceedings are often closed to the public to protect the minor's identity and encourage a less intimidating environment. Adult trials, on the other hand, are usually public.
Lastly, the rights and processes differ. In juvenile courts, juveniles do not have the right to a public trial by jury. Instead, a judge makes the determination of guilt and crafts an appropriate remedial response. Adult criminal courts, conversely, frequently involve a jury that decides on the guilt of the defendant, with judges determining sentencing.