Historically, the treatment of juveniles involved harsh conditions and focused on punishment. Reform began and the concept of juvenile court, separate from adult criminal court, began to emerge. The United States Supreme Court then began to rule in cases that have greatly influenced how the criminal justice system through juvenile courts deal with children who have committed delinquent acts.

After reviewing, Criminal Mind or Inculpable Adolescence? A Glimpse at the History, Failures, and Required Changes of the American Juvenile Correction System, consider the conclusions and implications for our current juvenile justice system.

For your initial post, discuss at least three key differences in the juvenile and adult justice systems. Integrate a minimum of one U.S. Supreme Court ruling to support the reasons for these differences, including comments as to how your selected case/s may or may not support scientific findings related to culpability and juvenile development.

For your reply post, respond to a student who discussed other key difference between the adult and juvenile systems, selected a court ruling other than yours, or argued findings other than yours related to culpability and juvenile development. Compare and contrast your differences and reasons. Due dates for your initial and response posts can be found by checking the Course Syllabus and Course Calendar.

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