The juvenile justice system was established in Illinois over 100 years ago. It was created because Illinois recognizes juveniles who commit crimes are far different than adults that do.

As such, the juvenile rehabilitation system needs to be distinct. In fact, research shows that juvenile offenders have a greater capacity for change than adults. Additionally, they are less to blame for their actions.

That doesn’t mean, however, that juvenile justice cases always go well or that juveniles are given fair [...]