Prosecutors and Juvenile Justice: New Roles and Perspectives (From Juvenile Justice and Public Policy: Toward a National Agenda, 1992, P 101-133, Ira M Schwartz, ed. -- See NCJ-138726)

• NCJ Number: 138732
• Author(s): J Shine; D Price
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 33 pages
• Sale Source: Macmillan
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the role of the prosecutor in juvenile justice through a discussion and amplification of the National District Attorneys Association's Standard 19.2, which is the best description of the potential role of the local prosecutor in juvenile justice.

Abstract

According to the Standard 19.2, the prosecutor should fully participate in the processing of juvenile cases, acting to ensure the interests and needs of the juvenile to the extent possible without compromising the primary concern for the safety and welfare of the community. Full participation requires the prosecutor to be active at all stages of the justice system process. This includes the decision to charge or not charge, as well as hearings for detention, dismissal, entry of pleas, trial, transfer to adult court, disposition, and revocation of probation status. In appearing at each of these hearings, the prosecutor maintains a focus on the safety and welfare of the community at each decisionmaking stage. The prosecutor not only helps ensure community safety through this full participation, but he/she improves the administration of justice through the promotion of the fair treatment of the juvenile. This chapter details the role of the prosecutor in charging, in diversion, in adjudication, and in disposition and followup. The need for and the nature of additional research on the prosecutor's role in juvenile justice are discussed. Standard 19.2 is provided along with commentary on each section.