The American criminal justice system is made up of criminal courts, correctional facilities, and law enforcement officers. Each of these components also constitutes the juvenile justice system, but how they operate differently for juveniles and for adults suspected of committing criminal acts. A juvenile delinquent is a person under a certain age who is suspected of having committed a crime or misdemeanor. A status offense is an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be legal or acceptable. Examples of status offenses are truancy, underage drinking, and running away from home. Law enforcement officials use their discretion when determining how to prosecute status-related offenses involving minors, but when it comes to more serious offenses, they must ensure the safety of society, while respecting the Constitution of the United States. This way, they can firmly state that they have not violated the offender's rights. Youth under the age of 18 account for approximately 16 percent of all arrests in the United States (Kendall, 2010). Law enforcement officials and magistrates differ in how they investigate and handle cases involving juveniles and adults. Juveniles suspected of criminal activity are processed through the juvenile justice system and their cases are tried in a court separate from adult criminal cases. Juvenile cases are handled under the basic premise that juvenile offenders can be rehabilitated and reformed. Recidivism is more acceptable among young offenders, and society often gives them more opportunities to improve their criminal behavior outside of the correctional facility. The Fourth Am...... middle of paper ......n offers America the opportunity to take a giant step forward in our fight against teen crime. Unfortunately, most of our country's citizens – as well as most policymakers – are still unaware of the potential for progress. Funding for replication of model programs and for policy reforms based on research-proven principles moves at a snail's pace. , Brand. False confessions. http://www.truthjustice.org/untrueconfession.htmKendall, D. (2010). Social Problems in a Diverse Society (5th ed.). Allyn & BaconMendel, Richard A. Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What Works and What Doesn't. Washington DC: American Youth Policy Forum, 2000. Schmalleger, F. (2009). Criminal justice today: an introductory text for the 21st century (10th.).