In 2005, the Supreme Court ruled in Roper v. Simmons that the death penalty is unconstitutional for juveniles, citing the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate and restore youthful offenders, emphasizing their potential for growth and change, rather than solely focusing on punishment.

The parens patriae doctrine empowers the state to act as a parent in the best interests of children, including juveniles involved in the criminal justice system.

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the systemic factors that push students, particularly those from marginalized communities, from schools into the juvenile justice system.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, establishes comprehensive standards for the protection and well-being of children, including those in conflict with the law.

Transfer refers to the process by which a juvenile court waives its jurisdiction and transfers a case to adult criminal court, typically for serious offenses.

Training schools are long-term residential facilities that provide education, counseling, and vocational training to adjudicated delinquent youth.

Parole involves the conditional release of a juvenile from custody, subject to supervision and adherence to certain conditions.

Diversion programs aim to divert youth from the formal juvenile justice system by providing alternative interventions and support services.

Expungement involves the removal of criminal records from official databases, making them inaccessible to the public.

Victim-offender mediation programs facilitate direct communication and dialogue between victims and offenders, promoting accountability and healing.

Secure detention involves the temporary confinement of a juvenile in a secure facility, usually pending a court hearing or further proceedings.

Aftercare programs offer comprehensive support services to youth transitioning from custody back into the community, addressing their needs for housing, education, employment, and counseling.

Waiver hearings are held to determine whether a juvenile case should be transferred to adult criminal court, considering factors such as the seriousness of the offense and the juvenile's prior record.

Training schools offer a range of educational and vocational programs to help adjudicated delinquent youth develop skills and prepare for employment.