Question

Explain the difference in how the police would have treated Gault if he were an

adult and not a juvenile offender.

Answer 1

If Gault were an adult, he would face a criminal justice system focusing more on punishment than rehabilitation and could experience longer incarceration and lasting criminal records. The treatment and outcomes might still be influenced by background and other social factors, despite efforts for uniformity in the law.

Step-by-step explanation:

The treatment of Gault by the police would have differed significantly if he were an adult rather than a juvenile offender. As an adult, Gault would have been entitled to a speedy trial, the right to know and understand the charges and evidence against him, and the possibility for the statute of limitations to expire. Adult offenders face a criminal justice system that often seeks punishment over rehabilitation, whereas the juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation, although it is argued that it often fails to achieve this goal. Were Gault an adult, the consequences could include longer incarceration and a permanent criminal record, potentially increasing the risk of continuing a life of crime. The historical treatment of offenders has varied greatly depending on social status or age, but modern law strives for uniformity, though outcomes can still be influenced by one's background and other social factors.

Answer 2

Forty years ago this week, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision known as In Re Gault. It established the constitutional right to legal counsel for children facing delinquency proceedings.