When Was Juvenile Justice System Created?

The juvenile court system was established in the United States a little more than a century ago, with the first court appearing in Illinois in 1899. Prior to that time, children and youth were seen as "miniature adults" and thus tried and punished as adults.

Why was the juvenile justice system created?

The primary motive of the juvenile court was to provide rehabilitation and protective supervision for youth. The court was intended to be a place where the child would receive individualized attention from a concerned judge. ... Tougher laws made it easier to transfer youth offenders to the criminal justice system.

When was the juvenile system created?

The first juvenile court in the United States, authorized by the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1899, was founded in 1899 in Chicago. The act gave the court jurisdiction over neglected, dependent, and delinquent children under age 16. The focus of the court was rehabilitation rather than punishment.