The correct spelling of "juvenile delinquent" is vital when writing about young individuals who have broken the law. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈdʒuːvənaɪl dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/. The first syllable "juv" is pronounced "joo" as in "juice," and the second syllable "e" is pronounced "uh" as in "love." The stress is on the second syllable, as indicated by the apostrophe marking the primary stress. The spelling of this term must be correct to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion when discussing the subject of juvenile crime.
A juvenile delinquent refers to an individual who is typically under the age of 18 and has engaged in illegal or antisocial behavior. It is a term used to describe young people who have committed crimes or violated laws deemed inappropriate for their age. Juvenile delinquency is often associated with acts such as theft, vandalism, drug abuse, assault, truancy, and other unlawful activities.
The term "juvenile" signifies a person who is not yet of legal adult age, while "delinquent" denotes a violation or deviation from societal norms and legal standards. Juvenile delinquents are regarded as individuals who have exhibited behavioral problems, often resulting from a combination of personal, social, or environmental factors. These factors may include family dysfunction, poverty, lack of education, peer pressure, or involvement in gangs.
The legal framework for dealing with juvenile delinquents typically focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, acknowledging that young offenders have the potential to reform and reintegrate into society successfully. Juvenile courts and correctional facilities provide specialized treatment and resources aimed at addressing the underlying causes of delinquency and helping young offenders develop skills to lead law-abiding lives.
Efforts to deter juvenile delinquency involve prevention initiatives, educational programs, community outreach, and counseling services. These aim to address the root causes of delinquency, promoting positive youth development, and fostering healthy relationships between communities and young individuals.
The word "juvenile delinquent" is composed of two main parts: "juvenile" and "delinquent".
"Juvenile" comes from the Latin word "juvenis", which means "young". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*yeu-", meaning "youthful". Over time, "juvenile" has come to refer to a young person, typically someone who is not yet an adult.
"Delinquent" comes from the Latin word "delinquere", which means "to fail" or "to be lacking". It is derived from the prefix "de-", meaning "away", and the verb "linquere", meaning "to leave" or "to abandon". In its original usage, "delinquent" referred to someone who had failed or neglected to do something they were obligated to do, particularly in a legal sense.