Final exam preparation terms Flashcards
certification
The official recognition that a juvenile court or authority has determined that a youth meets the criteria to be tried as an adult in criminal court, typically for serious offenses.
jurisdiction
A court’s authority to hear a case based on location or subject matter.
blended sentence
A sentence that combines both juvenile and adult penalties, often used for serious offenses.
concurrent jurisdiction
When two or more courts have the authority to hear the same case.
contempt of court
Disrespecting or disobeying a court order, disrupting court proceedings, or showing disrespect to legal authority.
demand waiver
When a juvenile requests or “demands” to be tried in adult court instead of juvenile court.
direct file waiver
When a prosecutor files charges directly in adult court, bypassing juvenile court, typically for serious offenses.
judicial waiver
When a juvenile court judge decides to transfer a case to adult court for trial, typically based on the severity of the offense or the juvenile’s age.
statutory waiver
When a law automatically transfers certain juvenile cases to adult court based on the offense, age, or other criteria, without judicial discretion.
reverse waiver
When an adult court sends a case back to juvenile court for adjudication, typically if the court determines the juvenile is better suited for the juvenile system.
classification
The process of assessing a juvenile’s needs, risks, and the appropriate level of supervision or treatment within the juvenile justice system.
risk assessment (components)
A process used to evaluate a juvenile’s likelihood of reoffending
false positives/ negatives
False positive: When a risk assessment incorrectly identifies a juvenile as high risk (when they are not), leading to unnecessary interventions or harsher consequences.
False negative: When a risk assessment incorrectly identifies a juvenile as low risk (when they are actually high risk), potentially failing to provide needed supervision or intervention.
mitigating/ aggravating factors
Mitigating factors: Circumstances that reduce the severity or culpability of a juvenile’s offense, such as a troubled background, lack of prior offenses, or mental health issues.
Aggravating factors: Circumstances that increase the severity of a juvenile’s offense, such as the use of violence, prior criminal history, or the vulnerability of the victim.
get tough movement
A policy approach in the juvenile justice system focused on harsher penalties, stricter laws, and trying juveniles as adults, aiming to deter crime through increased punishment rather than rehabilitation.
diversion
Redirecting a juvenile away from formal court processes to alternative programs.
dysfunctions of diversions
Problems like unequal access, lack of resources, or the potential for reoffending when juveniles don’t receive appropriate treatment or supervision.
nominal punishment
A minimal or symbolic penalty, often used in juvenile cases, that is intended to acknowledge the offense without imposing harsh consequences.
teen courts
Peer-led courts where teenagers serve as jurors, judges, or attorneys to handle cases involving other juveniles, typically for minor offenses, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
first time offenders
Juveniles who have committed an offense for the first time, often eligible for diversion or more lenient treatment in the justice system.
chronic offenders
Juveniles who repeatedly commit offenses, often showing a pattern of persistent criminal behavior over time.
automatic transfer
A legal process where certain juvenile cases are automatically moved to adult court based on the offense or the juvenile’s age, without judicial discretion.
ISP
(Intensive Supervision Program): A probation program that provides high levels of monitoring and support for juveniles, typically involving frequent check-ins, curfews, and close supervision to prevent reoffending.
home confinement
A form of detention where a juvenile is restricted to their home instead of a facility, often with electronic monitoring, as a condition of probation or sentence.
foster care
A system in which children, including juveniles involved in the justice system, are placed in temporary homes with licensed caregivers when their own home is unsafe or unsuitable.
unconditional diversion
A program that redirects juveniles from court processing without requiring any conditions, such as counseling or supervision, typically for minor offenses.
wilderness programs
Outdoor-based rehabilitation programs that use activities like hiking, camping, and teamwork to help juveniles develop responsibility, self-discipline, and problem-solving skills.
boot camps
Military-style programs for juvenile offenders that focus on discipline, physical activity, and structure, aiming to reduce recidivism through harsh, regimented environments.
treatment model
A rehabilitation-focused approach addressing the causes of delinquent behavior through therapy and support.
rehabilitation model
A juvenile justice approach focused on reforming offenders through treatment, education, and therapy to reintegrate them into society.
military model
A structured, discipline-based approach to juvenile rehabilitation, often involving physical training, strict rules, and hierarchy to instill responsibility and obedience.
balanced approach
A juvenile justice strategy that seeks to balance accountability, rehabilitation, and community protection, focusing on both the offender’s needs and the victim’s rights.
Case supervision planning
The process of developing a tailored plan for monitoring and supporting a juvenile offender, outlining goals, interventions, and resources to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
probation
A court-ordered period of supervision in the community, allowing a juvenile to avoid incarceration while complying with certain conditions, like curfews or counseling.
parole revocation
The termination of a juvenile’s parole, resulting in their return to prison or juvenile detention, due to a violation of parole conditions.
intermediate punishment
A type of sentence that is more severe than probation but less harsh than incarceration, such as electronic monitoring, community service, or intensive supervision.
recidivism
The tendency of a juvenile or adult to reoffend or relapse into criminal behavior after receiving punishment or treatment.
restitution
Compensation paid by a juvenile offender to the victim for losses or damages caused by the crime.
electronic monitoring
A system that uses devices like ankle bracelets to track a juvenile’s location and ensure compliance with curfews or restrictions during probation or home confinement.
standard probation
A form of probation with basic conditions, such as regular check-ins, avoiding further criminal activity, and adhering to curfew, without intensive supervision or treatment requirements.
needs assessment
The process of identifying a juvenile’s specific needs (e.g., education, mental health, substance abuse) to determine appropriate interventions and services.
predisposition
The stage in juvenile court proceedings where a judge determines the appropriate treatment or disposition for a juvenile, based on factors like the offense, background, and needs.
prediction
The process of forecasting a juvenile’s future behavior or risk of reoffending, often based on assessments or risk factors.
flat time
A fixed, non-negotiable period of detention or incarceration that a juvenile must serve, without the possibility of early release or modification.
