NCJ Number
119889
Journal
Update on Law-Related Education Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 2-5,45
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Throughout history, children were considered a form of property and were dealt with harshly for even minor offenses.
Abstract
Until 1967, the Supreme Court gave approval to the States' attitudes toward juveniles by avoiding the issue of juvenile's constitutional rights. Several cases, Gault, Kent v. U.S. (1966), in re Winship (1970), and McKeiver v. Pennsylvania (1970) opened State juvenile court proceedings to many of the same due process protection afforded adult defendants. Ironically, as the legal system has moved to accord youth their due process rights, the distinctions between juveniles and adults have become blurred, and many of the protections built into the juvenile system are being ignored or contested. This article looks into recent Supreme Court decisions and shows the Court grappling with questions that have arisen regarding children who commit adult crimes.