The Guide rocks! First, it is easy to read – the layout is perfect and navigating it is a dream. Second, the content is useful and again, easy to read. The three sections that describe how the juvenile justice system works, beginning to end. Each section starts with a summary of the stage and then goes right into frequently asked questions. Best of all, this is what is known as a "plain language" document, meaning it takes complex and complicated information and makes it understandable to the rest of us non-lawyers.
What you’ll find in the Guide:
- The investigation stage
- The trial/fact-finding stage
- The sentencing/rehabilitation stage
- Special situations – drug court, transfer into the adult system, traffic offenses, juveniles not competent to stand trial
- The lawyers’ responsibility to the young person
- Additional information for victims and eyewitnesses
- Glossary
- Important contact information
This publication is being sold as an important resource for parents, victims and youth – but providers of services who play a role in the lives of young people also should get a copy and read it. The Guide is free and available online and in print in English and Spanish. For online copies, go to the Council for Court Excellence Web site:
For printed copies, call CCE, (202) 785-5917.
