Criminal Law and JurisprudenceLesson summary - Reader format
A board-focused walkthrough of juvenile justice age thresholds, discernment, and when intervention rather than criminal prosecution controls.
Age comes first
Start every juvenile justice item with the child's age at the time of the offense. Age determines whether the item is asking about exemption, discernment, or the proper intervention path.
Discernment is factual
For children above 15 but below 18, the exam often tests whether the child acted with discernment. Look for planning, concealment, motive, or awareness that the act was wrong.
Programs are not penalties
Intervention and diversion language points to restorative handling. Do not treat every formal process as a criminal penalty when the stem is about a child in conflict with the law.