Question

If you were a state legislator, and you had the opportunity to rework the juvenile justice system, would it be to the advantage of the taxpayer and the juveniles to split the juvenile courts into two sections? For example, one section would handle status offenders, and one section would handle juvenile delinquents.

Would it be to the advantage of the taxpayer and the juveniles to split the juvenile courts into two sections? Explain in detail why or why not.

Answer 1

• The splitting of the juvenile court system will lead to the imposition of proper punishment for youth offenders based on the severity of their cases and this will be an advantage to the juveniles because their punishment will depend on the cases committed.
• The splitting of the juvenile courts into two will enhance coordination and collaboration among juvenile justice and social justice and this will be an advantage to the juvenile courts. Taxpayers will also benefit from the splitting of the juvenile courts into two because the juvenile court system will be more responsive to juvenile crimes hence reducing their number.
• Presence of juvenile delinquent courts and status offenders occurs will be a benefit to the juveniles because it will make it possible for the juvenile courts to differentiate between great crimes and minor crimes. The juveniles will benefit by attending status offenders courts instead of facing the typical court processing for minor offenses.
• The splitting of the juvenile courts into two sections will also have disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that the effectiveness of the two sections will depend on the implementation of the new courts. In cases of improper implementation, the new courts may be a disadvantage to the taxpayers and the juveniles as it pertains to financial problems and improper services. It is also a disadvantage to the taxpayers because the juvenile courts will require more staff hence increasing burden to the taxpayers.
• Another disadvantage of the two sections of the juvenile courts is that juveniles who will attend juvenile delinquency courts will be subjected to more sphere courts than those who will attend status offender courts.