Final answer:
Probate Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency cases involving minors under the age of 17, with the possibility of transferring 15 and 16-year-olds to District Court for certain serious felonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Courts with exclusive jurisdiction over delinquency cases involving minors under the age of 17 are generally the Probate Courts at the county level. They handle juvenile matters as part of their core function. However, some felony offenses permit 15 and 16-year-olds to be transferred to the District Court. This is reflective of a broader principle, where the more serious the crime, the more likely it is for a minor to be tried in a court for adults. For instance, serious felonies such as murder or aggravated assault might warrant such a transfer.
Overall, the state courts have the responsibility for the vast majority of criminal and civil cases, with state laws primarily dictating the legal process for most matters. It is under these state laws that the jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency is determined, with probate judges serving six-year terms. In cases where juveniles are involved, the courts act to protect the rights of minors while ensuring justice is served, taking into consideration both the nature of the offense and the age of the offender.