Table of ContentsIntroductionCounterargumentMy ArgumentConclusionIntroductionThe juvenile justice system was established in the 1890s with the goal 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 child criminals needed help, guidance, love, and a second opportunity using an educational method rather than humiliation, degradation, and torment. Juveniles require different legal and sentencing procedures to avoid labeling them. Unfortunately, the juvenile system is not fulfilling its functions, it has become a secondary prison for young offenders. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay. Young children have a greater chance of rehabilitation than adults and a lower rate of recidivism. Most minors are banned and sent to a social service or program for help. It is important that minors avoid being locked up in solitary confinement because most children are not guilty and are being tried for a status offense. Minors not only break laws, they are also children who disobey their parents, for example by running away from home. They are not guilty, but they are breaking the rules and deserve a different type of rehabilitation program. Many believe the system is not serving its purpose and should be abolished. However, the damage will be greater 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 failed in its goal of proving rehabilitation programs to young people; it was created as a “juvenile prison”. Minors do not benefit from the same rights as adults during legal proceedings; However, minors are incarcerated like adults. This is a problem because a minor cannot be sentenced in the same way as an adult if he or she is denied the assistance of an attorney. Many would like the system to be abolished due to its nature and the fact that the cost of maintaining the system is high. The juvenile system is inconsistent with sentencing and procedures. Juveniles receive longer sentences than adults for the same crime. In fact, minors do not benefit from the same rights as adult criminals. Connecticut's Juvenile Training Center will soon close as studies have shown children need to be closer to home or in their own homes for more successful rehabilitation. Connecticut is pushing for a program that will punish children in foster care or even place them in foster care. The goal is to keep juveniles out of the adult system and anything adult-like like prison. Instead of eliminating the juvenile system altogether or creating a new program, it would be easier to reform the current system. Although the juvenile system acts like a children's prison, children held there have a lower recidivism rate than adults in the adult system. Youth placed in adult prison have higher recidivism rates and higher rape rates because adult prisons are schools for crime. Young people are leaving adult prisons knowing better how to commit crimes rather than asking for.