Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary

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Juvenile Court: A court that hears cases involving the morale, health, or welfare of children, usually under the age of 18. Children who are alleged to have committed crimes will normally have their cases heard in juvenile court, but the prosecution may, in extreme cases and where allowed by statute, ask that the case be handled in regular adult court. Children whose parents or guardians have neglected or abused them may also appear in juvenile court, where the case is between the state (which appears on behalf of the child) and the parents.