Juveniles' Competence to Stand Trial - Essay Example

They also say that drug addicts start taking drugs at 13 or 14, but only come to the rehab centers when the situation becomes grim or out of control. This is because they start taking drugs recreationally and by the time they start having problems and decide to seek help it takes time. Unlike social drinking which doesn't affect one's lifestyle, there is nothing like social drugs because substances like cocaine and heroin are very addictive and illegal. The problem arises because most youngsters believe they won't get addicted not realizing that with drugs like cocaine and heroin it's very easy o get hooked on.

And when they get addicted the trouble starts to unfold and slowly indulging in criminal offenses comes into the picture. Independent courts act separate from other courts and are found in Connecticut Rhode Island and Utah. States like Alabama don't have independent and separate courts. The second type of juvenile courts comes within the jurisdiction of family courts. Child custody, child victim cases, and other criminal offenses related to the child come under the jurisdiction of family courts.

A third type is a unit in a trial court where trials against the child are adjudicated. Juvenile courts are very much different from adult courts. The main purposes of these courts are to make children understand what's good for them, realize the meaning of life and respect the constitutional laws and abide by them. Juvenile court proceedings are less formal and private, unlike adult courts where proceedings and hearings should be followed informal and public. Psychiatric Society agrees that 16 is a very young age to get into drugs, but says when you enter college you gain a lot of freedom, are at an impressionable age, and get sucked into the wrong crowd.

If parents suspect that the child is into something they talk to him or her. The teenager will definitely deny it, but parents should firmly talk to the child, maybe not at that time, but later on, you may not realize how dangerous the situation is and need to take the child to a doctor or a psychiatrist for a check-up or counseling. Get him/her professional help. A psychiatrist and his team are well qualified to help a child if rehab is not immediately available. It's advisable to take the school or college authorities into confidence too because not only can they monitor the child, they can find out if there are peddlers around the campus.

Juvenile courts not created to punish the children but to treat them and make them understand their responsibilities towards their family, the society, and the country that they love. Making them realize what is meant to be a good citizen.