In this paper, we will compare and contrast the juvenile justice system versus the adult justice system. When they are analyzed in this way, a more meaningful understanding of the two can be discovered as well as their fundamental similarities and differences. Relevant literature will be used to reinforce examples in the research as well.

             The Juvenile Justice System.

             Juvenile crime in generations past mostly consisted of the minor offenses that one would expect from juveniles, such as vandalism, school truancy, petty theft/shoplifting, possession of small amounts of recreational drugs, and the like. However, in the present, juvenile crime means much more than that. Statistics show an overall increase in violent crime among juveniles (rape, murder, major drug related violence, etc) over the past twenty-five years (Redding, 1999). These types of crimes have caused the juvenile justice system to evolve, not necessarily for the better. Since the 1980's the juvenile justice system has had to evolve to include life sentences for particularly violent offenders, special penalties for repeat offenders, increased numbers of juvenile correction facilities and more police, court officials, probation officers, etc. All of this has put a huge burden on the budgets for these items as well.

             The juvenile justice system also has changed its viewpoint in some cases regarding the system of rehabilitation versus punishment. In years past, most of the juvenile offenses were of the nature that the offenders could be placed in "reform schools" that taught them the error of their ways and educated them perhaps in new skills, coping mechanisms, and other subject matter that caused the juveniles to be "reformed" when released back into society (Wagner, 2000). With the recent boom in exceptionally violent crime by juveniles, the system has had to come to the reality that some youthful offenders cannot be "reformed" and must be kept away from society for the overall good of society.