The purpose of this Discussion Board is to learn more about the juvenile court in your jurisdiction and how cases move through the juvenile justice system.

Within federal courts, juvenile cases are heard in the same courts but during the proceedings, the courtroom is cleared and closed to the public. Research the juvenile court system in your jurisdiction (state courts), and address the following questions:

Is your juvenile court in the same location as your state trial court? If not, why do you think that is?

What rights are different for juveniles versus adults?

Do you agree that juvenile courts should be closed to the public?

If you have to change one thing about juvenile courts, what would it be, and why?