A juvenile’s conviction is termed as what?

In the context of juvenile justice, a juvenile’s conviction is referred to as adjudication. This term is specific to juvenile proceedings, where the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, which is the primary objective in adult criminal cases.

Adjudication denotes the formal judicial process in which a juvenile court evaluates the evidence and makes a determination regarding the charges brought against a juvenile. This process results in a finding that the juvenile committed the alleged offense, which is typically referred to as a "delinquency finding" rather than a conviction. The terminology reflects the differences in the legal framework governing juveniles compared to adults, emphasizing a more rehabilitative approach.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the legal processes involved in juvenile cases and reinforces the philosophy of focusing on rehabilitation, support, and development for young offenders.