Who are classified as "juvenile offenders"?

Juvenile offenders are individuals who are under the age of legal adulthood and have committed crimes. In most jurisdictions, the legal age of adulthood is 18, so those classified as juvenile offenders are typically under this age, with specific definitions varying by state or country. This classification is significant within the criminal justice system because juvenile offenders are often treated differently than adults, with an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Addressing the other options helps to clarify the distinction: individuals who have not been convicted of any crime would not qualify as offenders at all. Similarly, those over the age of 18, regardless of their criminal behavior, fall outside the juvenile category entirely, as they are considered adults in the eyes of the law. Lastly, adults committing minor offenses are also not classified as juvenile offenders, as the term specifically pertains to those who are underage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the legal framework surrounding juvenile justice and the specific rights and interventions available for this demographic.