What is the term for the formal finding by a juvenile court that a child has engaged in delinquent conduct?

What is the term for the formal finding by a juvenile court that a child has engaged in delinquent conduct?

• A. Trial
• B. Disposition
• C. Adjudication
• D. Hearing

Answer: (C)

Adjudication is the formal finding by a juvenile court that a child has engaged in delinquent conduct. It’s the verdict-like step that follows the adjudicatory hearing, where evidence is weighed to determine whether the alleged delinquency occurred. Once adjudicated delinquent, the case moves to disposition, where the court decides the appropriate remedy or treatment. The hearing describes the process of presenting evidence, not the final finding; the term trial isn’t typically used for the juvenile finding, and disposition comes after adjudication.

Adjudication is the formal finding by a juvenile court that a child has engaged in delinquent conduct. It’s the verdict-like step that follows the adjudicatory hearing, where evidence is weighed to determine whether the alleged delinquency occurred. Once adjudicated delinquent, the case moves to disposition, where the court decides the appropriate remedy or treatment. The hearing describes the process of presenting evidence, not the final finding; the term trial isn’t typically used for the juvenile finding, and disposition comes after adjudication.