Under most state laws, juvenile offenders do not commit "crimes". They commit delinquent acts, some of which are acts that would constitute crimes if committed by an adult. The trial phase of a juvenile case is an adjudication hearing. This means that the judge hears the evidence and determines whether the child is delinquent. The court may then take whatever action it deems to be in the child's best interest. The purpose is to rehabilitate, not to punish.
However, the clashpoint in this debate is whether juveniles are mature enough to see the consequences of their actions and thus if they can be punished more severely in adult courts, should they commit serious crimes (rape, murder...).
One of the basic problems and unpleasant clashes is the rather infamous "where to draw the line". Is there really a difference between an 15-year-old and his friend who is 14 years old plus 364 days?
However, the clashpoint in this debate is whether juveniles are mature enough to see the consequences of their actions and thus if they can be punished more severely in adult courts, should they commit serious crimes (rape, murder...).
One of the basic problems and unpleasant clashes is the rather infamous "where to draw the line". Is there really a difference between an 15-year-old and his friend who is 14 years old plus 364 days?