As we have learned, there are differences between the adult criminal justice system and the juvenile justice system. In this brief essay assignment, you will address some of the main points of how law enforcement, the courts, and corrections work with juveniles.

In a brief essay

, address the following questions thinking about the philosophical principles listed above:

• Status offenses are unique to the juvenile justice system. Define status offense and provide at least one example.
• How do you think status offenses should be handled - informally/diversion through law enforcement or formally through the juvenile court system? Why? Does it depend on the status offense?
• For juveniles who have committed serious or violent crimes, should they be charged as juveniles in juvenile court, or should they be waived to the adult criminal court system and be treated as an adult? Why?
• If a juvenile has been convicted as an adult in criminal court, where should that juvenile serve their criminal sentence - a juvenile facility or an adult facility? Why?