Since the 1700s, criminal justice has had a long history. Criminals were tried in the same way regardless of their age back in the old days. Because there was no distinguishing mechanism between adults and minors, it was impossible to make distinctions. In prisons and jails, there were mixed groups of minor and adult criminals. Because their coping mechanisms are not the same as an adult’s, this created offenses risks to the means. To ensure the well-being of minors, it was necessary to test the adults and minors separately. With the legislation’s subsequent reforms and amendments, it was imperative that minors were tried separately from adults. Due to multiple reasons, juveniles cannot be tried in court with adults. Juveniles may not realize that they are still in their teenage years and need to make the transition. The social, environmental, as well as daily interactions of children are all important for their development.
McCord & Crowell (2002). Children are taught how to behave in adult environments. In other words, juveniles with criminal records are unlikely to develop criminal behavior. However, juveniles who re-offend are more likely to engage in criminal activities will have a higher delinquency. Because children are identified early by their parents or guardians as being delinquent, most of the time they reach adulthood. Teenagers may not be aware of all the laws that exist and the penalties for violating them. Most of the time, what might be considered an offense could be just a curiosity. Young boys may attempt marijuana for the high. These young boys may not be able to determine what actions constitute an offense. Juveniles should not be tried in adult court if they are involved as criminals. The development of juveniles is still ongoing. They learn from adults during this stage. Juveniles’ behavior is greatly affected when they are exposed to both children and adults in the same place. Minors, as they grow up copy everything that is said and done by adults. Adults are most likely to commit serious or grave offenses than children.
The juveniles will be able to learn the meaning of serious crimes from the adults and then try to apply it in their lives. The adults view this as a form or freedom. Therefore, the denial is often seen as aggressive behavior by juveniles, who may then copy it. The juvenile system is a way for children to correct their distorted behavior. Research shows that children who are tried with their parents are more likely than children who are being tried separately in the juvenile justice system. This is because children will always attempt to put into practice what they learnt from adults that are near them. The court should also have a separate hearing for juveniles. The criminal justice system is not designed to deal with juvenile offenders. The adult system for trial, which includes both trial and incarceration is not designed to accommodate juvenile offenders’ needs. Primarily, criminal justice should be used for deterring, rehabilitating, and banning criminal activities.
The adult justice system is more of a punitive tool for those who have been convicted. Adult criminal justice staff are not trained in how to handle juvenile offenders. Juvenile offenders won’t see the benefits that the justice system is supposed to bring if they are paired with adults. The Juvenile Justice System focuses on treatment, rehabilitation, treatment and security of minors. This is a different approach to adult justice system (Cicourel 2017). Juvenile courts are a better option for young offenders because they have access to youth services that support their rehabilitation. The juvenile justice system provides safe conditions for young offenders so that they can transform fully. The young offenders are fully rehabilitated and can be released as patriotic citizens. Juveniles must be tried separately from adults. Juveniles in adult facilities are more expensive than rehabilitation facilities.
The National Juvenile Justice Network reports that there are over 250, 000 juveniles undergoing the trial.
The taxpayers will be burdened by this number, as it is estimated that approximately $39 billion is spent annually on offenders. The budget will go up if there are minors included in the adult judiciary system. It is important that juveniles don’t often get involved with violent crimes so sending them to juvenile court will speed up the process. Because of this, most juvenile offenders receive a non-custodial sentence. This reduces the cost of the justice system. You can use the money to help youth. This is why it is important to have separate trials for juveniles and adults. In essence, it is wrong to have juveniles and adults tried in the same courts. A separate court should be used to try juveniles in criminal justice. This will help safeguard their rights. This is because juveniles are still at their developmental stage. It saves taxpayers money and provides protection for them.
