IndexIntroductionCounterargumentMy ArgumentConclusionIntroductionThe juvenile court system was established in 1890 with the purpose of rehabilitating delinquent children. Juvenile delinquency is defined as a violation of the penal code by delinquent children, and each state has a different age for what it considers a juvenile. Many judges believed that criminal children needed help, guidance, love and a second chance using the educational method rather than humiliation, degradation and torment. Juveniles require different judicial and sentencing procedures to avoid labeling them. Unfortunately the juvenile system does not serve its purpose, it has become a secondary prison for juvenile delinquents. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Young children have a better chance of rehabilitation than adults and a lower recidivism rate. Most minors are banned and sent to a social service or program for help. It is important that juveniles avoid being placed in solitary confinement because most children are not guilty and are being tried for a status crime. Minors are not just breaking laws, they are also children disobeying their parents, for example by running away from home. They are not guilty but they break the rules and deserve a different kind of rehabilitation program. Many believe that the system does not serve its purpose and should be abolished, however greater harm would be created if a minor goes through the adult system. Juvenile courts are necessary, the system must be reformed to achieve its real purpose, but the system should not be abolished. Counterargument The juvenile system has not served its purpose of providing rehabilitation programs for youth; it was instead transformed into a “youth prison”. Minors are not afforded the same rights as adults during court proceedings; yet minors are incarcerated like adults. This is a problem because a minor cannot be sentenced as an adult if he or she is denied an attorney. Many would like to see the system abolished due to its nature and the cost of maintaining it is high. The juvenile system is not consistent with sentences and proceedings. Juveniles are sentenced for a longer period than adults for the same crime. This is because minors are not afforded the same rights as adult criminals. Connecticut's youth training center will close soon because studies have shown that children need to be closer to home or in their own home for more effective rehabilitation. Connecticut is pushing for a program that will punish children in a home environment or even place them in a foster home. The goal is to keep minors out of the adult system and anything adult-like like prison. Instead of completely eliminating the juvenile system or creating a new program, it would be easier to reform the system we currently have. Although the juvenile system acts like a juvenile prison, children in it have a lower recidivism rate than adults in the adult system. Young people locked up in an adult prison have a higher rate of recidivism and rape because adult prisons are schools of crime. Young people emerge from adult prisons knowing more about how to commit crimes than receiving help. Minors require different treatment than adults because their minds are not as developed and they cannot always be held accountable.