The correct spelling of the phrase "juvenile offender" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The pronunciation starts with the "J" sound, which is represented by the letter "dzh". This is followed by the vowel sound "u," represented by the symbol "ʊ." Then, the consonants "v," "n," and "l" are pronounced in sequence. Finally, the word ends with the short "i" sound, represented as "ə". The correct spelling of this phrase is important in legal contexts as it refers to a young person who has committed a crime.
A juvenile offender refers to a person who is under the legally defined age of adulthood and has been involved in criminal activities that violate the law. It generally applies to individuals who are considered minors, typically ranging from the ages of 10 to 17, although the specific age may vary according to jurisdiction. This term is used to distinguish younger individuals who have committed offenses from their adult counterparts, who are subject to a separate set of legal regulations and punishments.
Juvenile offenders may engage in various types of criminal behavior, including but not limited to property crimes, drug offenses, assault, theft, and vandalism. Their actions are deemed illegal and in violation of societal norms, but their age and developmental stage differentiate them from adult offenders. The intention behind labeling minors as juvenile offenders is often grounded in promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, while simultaneously holding them accountable for their actions.
The handling of juvenile offenders typically occurs within a specialized branch of the legal system known as juvenile justice, which focuses on providing interventions and support systems that address the underlying factors contributing to delinquency. Instead of primarily focusing on punitive measures, the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate offenders through counseling, education, community service, probation, or alternative sentencing programs. The underlying philosophical principle is to provide these young offenders with the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, develop responsible behavior, and effectively reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.
The word "juvenile" is derived from the Latin word "juvenilis" which means "young" or "youthful". It is a derivative of the Latin word "juvenis" which means "young person".
The term "offender" comes from the Late Latin word "offendere" which means "to strike against, stumble upon, or cause displeasure". It is a combination of the prefix "ob-" meaning "against" and the root "fendere" meaning "to strike or hit".
When the two words are combined, "juvenile offender" refers to a young person who has committed a crime or violated the law.