Appalachian State University Blog

Across the U.S., state courts handle roughly 70 million cases a year — only a fraction of which involve minors. However, what’s the difference between juvenile court and adult court? These systems differ in their processes, terminology, sentencing options and goals. 

To learn more, check out the infographic created by App State Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

Juvenile Court

Since Cook County, Illinois, established the first juvenile court in 1899, the justice system has maintained a separate track for minors. 

In 2022, roughly 33 million youth fell under the age-based jurisdiction of juvenile courts, according to the National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). That year, courts handled 549,500 cases. In 44 states (plus the District of Columbia), the age of 18 divides juvenile and adult jurisdiction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

Juvenile Court Process

Minors enter the juvenile justice system after a referral, generally following an arrest. NCJJ reports that 85% of delinquency cases result from law enforcement referrals.

After a referral, juvenile justice staff members determine the next steps during the intake process. They can either petition the case or divert it. Around 52% of delinquency cases are petitioned in juvenile court, amounting to 286,400 cases, according to NCJJ. Of these cases, 1% are transferred to adult court. The remaining 48% of delinquency cases, or 263,100 cases, are diverted from formal court processing. Of these, 42% are dismissed and 58% are sent to probation or receive other sanctions. 

The juvenile court process mirrors the adult court process, with some important differences. Courts determine whether a minor will be held or released before adjudication. The adjudication process involves a judge determining whether a youth committed the alleged acts, which would result in a delinquency finding. Juvenile courts don’t hold jury trials. Disposition is similar to sentencing in adult court and results in an intervention plan for the youth.

Juvenile court sentencing emphasizes restoration and rehabilitation, not punishment. Courts may opt for placement, which places minors in residential facilities. Placement makes up 28% of adjudicated delinquent cases, according to NCJJ. Probation or supervision at home makes up 67% of adjudicated delinquent cases. Other sanctions include required counseling, community service or restitution.

Adult Court

The adult court system processes criminal, civil, traffic and other case types in far greater volume than juvenile courts. Adult criminal courts most closely reflect the juvenile delinquency process. 

In 2024, state courts handled 70 million cases, including a negligible share of juvenile cases, according to the Court Statistics Project (CSP). Of these, 46% were traffic cases, 23% criminal cases and 24% civil cases. 

Adult Court Process

The adult court process typically begins with an arrest. During a bail hearing, a judge determines whether the defendant will be released or detained. At the arraignment, defendants have an opportunity to hear the charges and enter pleas.

During the pretrial phase, parties prepare for trial. Pretrial motions before a judge resolve legal disputes. Prosecutors may also negotiate a plea bargain to avoid trial.

Adult courts hold jury or bench trials. In jury trials, the trial process begins with jury selection, known as voir dire. The prosecution then presents the evidence and witnesses. Once the prosecution rests, the defense presents its case. The judge or jury then issues a verdict of guilty or not guilty. 

If convicted, defendants receive one or more sentencing options. Adult courts can sentence defendants to incarceration in jail or prison. They can also order probation, which is community supervision with conditions such as treatment programs or home confinement. Courts can also impose other sanctions, such as community service, restitution or fines. 

Comparing Juvenile Court and Adult Court

The language of juvenile and adult courts differs, as do their goals. Juvenile court cases make up around 1% of all state court cases, reports CSP. NCJJ data show that 3,000 youth were transferred to adult criminal court in 2022. From 1995 to 2023, youth incarceration declined by 77%, according to The Annie E. Casey Foundation. 

Differences Between Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court

Juvenile court and adult court differ in their goals, privacy expectations and terminology. Juvenile court takes a restorative approach by emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration. Adult court focuses on deterrence, emphasizing punishment and accountability. 

Juvenile courts use closed proceedings and the records are often confidential. In contrast, adult courts are open to the public and the records are generally publicly available.

The terminology of the juvenile court vs. adult court systems also differs. Youth aren’t found guilty. Instead, they’re adjudicated delinquent for committing a delinquent act. Adult defendants are found guilty or not guilty of criminal acts. 

Criminal Justice and the Courts

Juvenile and adult courts serve different populations and use different approaches. Juvenile courts prioritize rehabilitation, while adult courts emphasize deterrence and punishment. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone exploring criminal justice careers or how justice is administered across the U.S. 

According to Dr. William Hicks, professor of political science, App State Online’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers “opportunities to explore the juvenile justice system, including its legal and philosophical foundations as well as its contemporary practice.” Learn more about the program today.

 Sources

Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center, Juvenile Court Process

Court Statistics Project, Workbook: Trial Dashboards

FBI, A Brief Description of the Federal Criminal Justice Process

Justia, Stages of a Criminal Case

Juvenile Law Center, Youth in the Justice System: An Overview

National Center for Juvenile Justice, 2022 Juvenile Court Statistics

National Conference of State Legislatures, Juvenile Age of Jurisdiction and Transfer to Adult Court Laws

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, “What Is Juvenile Justice?”

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, “Youth Incarceration in the United States”

United States Courts, Criminal Cases

U.S. Congress, “Juvenile Delinquents and Federal Criminal Law: The Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act and Related Matters in Short”

Youth.gov, Juvenile Justice