The juvenile justice system is a distinct legal system that handles minors (typically under 18 years old) accused of violating the law. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, its primary focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The system processes young people through specialized courts, often called juvenile courts, which have their own procedures and terminology tailored to the developmental needs of youth. It involves multiple stages including police referral, court hearings, and rehabilitation programs, aiming to help youth avoid future delinquency and mature into responsible adults. Juvenile offenders are found "delinquent" rather than "convicted," and their records are generally kept confidential. The system also protects youth from being held in adult jails or detained for status offenses (acts not illegal for adults, like running away or truancy) and seeks to reduce racial disparities among those it processes.