NCJ Number
121452
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The important substantive changes in prosecutorial involvement in juvenile delinquency cases prompted NDAA's Juvenile Justice Committee to revise National Prosecution Standard 19.2, Juvenile Delinquency, originally adopted in 1977.
Abstract
Section A emphasizes that the prosecutor should: (1) be charged to seek justice just as he or she does in adult prosecutions; (2) appear at all stages of the proceedings; and, (3) maintain professionalism in juvenile court work. Section B describes a large role for prosecutors in the charging function, which includes the determination of a "legally sufficient" case, whether the case should be transferred to adult court, and whether a case should be dismissed. The diversion of legally sufficient cases pursuant to Section C requires an admission of involvement in the offense. Also, the Section delineates the process that should be undertaken when a juvenile case is diverted. Section D reflects the consensus that plea agreements are appropriate in the juvenile court to the extent that they are appropriate in the adult court. Section E provides time limits for adjudication that are intended to expedite juvenile cases in order to promote fair treatment to both victim and juvenile, and to make the experience more meaningful for the juvenile. Section F encourages prosecutors to participate in the dispositional phase. In Section G, the prosecutor is encouraged to follow up on cases to ensure that dispositions are upheld, court ordered sanctions are administered, and treatment is provided.