Do juveniles have the right to a jury trial?

Juveniles do not have an absolute right to a jury trial in the same manner as adults do. This concept stems from the legal framework surrounding juvenile justice, which is primarily aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that while juveniles are entitled to certain due process protections, the structure of juvenile court proceedings typically does not include jury trials.

Instead, cases involving juveniles are usually decided by a judge, who takes on the role of both adjudicator and protector. This approach aligns with the overall philosophy of the juvenile justice system, which seeks to address the underlying issues contributing to juvenile delinquency rather than simply administering punishment.

While some states may allow for jury trials in specific circumstances or under particular statutes, the general rule is that juveniles do not possess the same jury trial rights that are afforded to adults. This framework supports the aim of the juvenile system to focus on rehabilitation, taking into consideration the developmental differences between juveniles and adults.