What does "juvenile justice" typically address?

Juvenile justice primarily focuses on the legal procedures and processes that pertain to individuals who are considered minors or under the age of majority. It encompasses how the justice system responds to young individuals who commit offenses, addressing both the legal ramifications and the unique aspects of their rehabilitation. The juvenile justice system is designed to consider the developmental differences between minors and adults, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment and taking into account the social and psychological factors that may contribute to juvenile delinquency.

This focus on minors in the context of legal procedures distinguishes juvenile justice from other legal areas such as adult criminal cases, family law, and sentencing for recidivists. Each of these other areas is related to different demographics and issues; for instance, adult criminal cases involve individuals who are already classified as legal adults, while family disputes deal with private familial matters rather than offenses committed by individuals. Therefore, the relevance of juvenile justice is specifically anchored in the laws and processes that address youth offenders differently from adult offenders.