Juvenile Court Basics
What is the primary goal of the juvenile justice system?
Rehabilitation rather than punishment.
What is the legal definition of "delinquency" in Mississippi?
A juvenile committing an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult.
What is the only search that can be done on a juvenile?
Terry Search
What is the first step when law enforcement detains a juvenile?
Contact the Youth Court Judge
A 15-year-old is caught shoplifting. What would likely happen next?
The juvenile may be detained and referred to the youth court for assessment.
What is the age range for juveniles under Mississippi law?
Individuals under 18 years old.
What type of offense is truancy in Mississippi?
Status Offense
When is the only time a juvenile can be photographed or fingerprinted?
Only when the crime is a felony or involves the possession or use of a dangerous weapon.
What is one reason a youth can be detained?
1. At risk of harm or harming others
2. Ensure attendance at court
3. There is no guardian or custodian available to help care and provide for the youth.
4. No reasonable alternative to custody.
A school reports excessive absences for a student. What is the legal term for this issue and what type of offense is it?
Truancy & Status Offense
Who is responsible for filing a juvenile petition in Mississippi?
The youth court prosecutor or a youth court intake officer.
When are juveniles tried in Circuit Court?
Circuit Court will have jurisdiction, age appropriate, on all violent crimes or crimes with a deadly weapon. If it is an offense in which an adult could receive a sentence of life in prison or death penalty, they will be referred to Circuit Court.
Does youth court have a jury and is it open to the public?
No, youth court is closed to the public and have bench trials where no jury is present.
When shall a juvenile detention hearing be held?
Within 48 hours
A 16-year-old is charged with armed robbery. Can they be tried as an adult?
Yes, if the case is transferred to Circuit Court.
What term is used in juvenile court instead of "guilty"?
Adjudicated Delinquent
In Mississippi, what law governs confidentiality in juvenile proceedings?
Youth court proceedings are confidential under the Youth Court Act.
Do juveniles have the right to an attorney?
Yes, juveniles have the right to legal representation.
A 12-year-old is suspected of burglary. During questioning, they admit guilt, but no parent or guardian was present. Is the confession admissable?
Likely not, as the juvenile’s rights were violated by not having a parent or guardian present during questioning.
A 9-year-old is caught with a gun at school. Can they be criminally charged?
No, children can't be criminally charged as newborns to 10 years old
The world's first official juvenile court and detention center was built in what city?
What is Chicago
What age can a juvenile be criminally charged?
Beginning at 13 years old
What must law enforcement do when interrogating a juvenile
Read their Miranda rights and ensure they understand them, often in the presence of a parent or guardian.
A 13-year-old consistently skips school and engages in petty theft but has no prior arrests.
Should this case be treated as a delinquency case or a child in need of supervision (CHINS) case?
Likely a CHINS case, focusing on intervention services rather than punitive measures.
A 17-year-old who received a waiver to join the military is arrested for shoplifting. How are they treated?
They are treated as an adult