Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Juvenile Court: A Judge's Guide for Young Adults and Their Parents, written by Judge Leora Krygier, is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping teens prepare for court appearances. This book offers an overview of the juvenile court justice system and walks the reader through the entire judicial process, from receiving a citation to the potential trial and final disposition. Drawing on examples and real-life stories from teens, it offers practical advice to help young people understand the judicial process, navigate their court appearances successfully, and avoid future offenses.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-17
Length
181 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the judge decides what is fair in juvenile court?
Can you imagine how the teenagers in the book feel during their trials?
What are some ways that you think young people can avoid getting into trouble?
How can understanding the law help people our age?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story related to making difficult decisions or mistakes. Listen actively to your child's responses without judgment to build an open and trusting dialogue. Relate the scenarios in the book to their everyday experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant. Encourage your child to ask questions about the legal system and express their feelings about the stories shared in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The book explains the workings of the juvenile court system and the consequences facing young offenders. It delves into how choices have impactful legal outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of foreseeing the outcomes of their actions, promoting more thoughtful and responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Respect for Law and Order
Explanation: By illustrating real-life court scenarios, the book instills an appreciation for the rules and the role of legal institutions in maintaining societal order.
Real-World Application: This understanding can encourage compliance with rules at school or in public spaces, fostering a safer environment for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book shares stories from various young individuals, depicting a range of emotional and social challenges they face, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse life situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this empathy towards peers who may be experiencing difficulties, leading to more supportive relationships and inclusive behavior.
Example Lesson: The Role of Rehabilitation
Explanation: It emphasizes the purpose of the juvenile system not just to punish, but to rehabilitate, highlighting programs that aim to help young individuals improve their lives.
Real-World Application: This lesson underlines the importance of second chances and personal growth, which children can apply by learning to forgive themselves and others for mistakes, and focusing on improvement.
Example Lesson: Active Participation in One's Defence
Explanation: The guide encourages young readers to understand their rights and the importance of participating in their own defense during legal proceedings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of self-advocacy in everyday situations such as in school or in social settings, helping them develop confidence in expressing their needs and rights.