Why are theories of crime different in adults vs. juveniles?

Answer 1

The theories behind juveniles and crime is that juveniles are more impulsive, less able to control those impulses, don't always consider the consequences of the actions, and are more likely to be reformed. This has led to a juvenile justice system that focuses on rehabilitation.

The adult criminal justice system is design to punish adults who should know better and be able to control their implulses. The adult system is designed to punish, not rehabilitate.

Answer 2

Theories of "crime" are not different. If something is a crime if committed by an adult, it is a crime if committed by a child, and vice versa (with a few obvious exceptions). What is different is the theory of culpability--that children are, for the most part, less culpable for criminal activity and more likely to be rehabilitated.

Unfortunately, the modern trend towards harsh punishment for everybody has in many places subverted the good intentions of juvenile law.

Answer 3

the difference between an adult and a kid is responsibility. An adult is responsible for themself, while guardians are responsible for their kids. Kids can't be responsible for themself because they haven't learned to be yet, which is why they need guardians to begin with. Guardians are there to protect their kids from the world and protect the world from their kids.

Answer 4

The minds of children are still developing. They don't have the capacity to fully comprehend what they are doing.