Subject Index Juvenile Justice

Under two new laws that amend the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, some juveniles may soon be trading in their tattoos for additional community service hours.

PA 91-18 will penalize a person who knowingly leaves a firearm where a minor under 14 years of age can access it if the minor later causes death or serious bodily harm with it.

The Juvenile Court Act, 705 ILCS 405/1 et seq, attempts to best serve the safety and ``welfare of [an accused minor] and the best interests of the community'' by shielding the minor from the full force and application of the Illinois Criminal Code.

According to Senator Hawkinson, the re-write of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act incorporates mostly technical changes to meet the sponsors' intent to create a system that protects the community, holds juvenile delinquents accountable for their crimes, and lets juvenile offenders live responsibly and productively.