Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Where would a preliminary hearing for case involving a 19-year-old attacking a juvenile be held?

1. General District Court

2. Circuit Court

3. Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

4. Supreme Court

The correct answer is: Juvenile Domestic Relation Court (JDRC)

A preliminary hearing for a case involving a 19-year-old attacking a juvenile would indeed be held in Juvenile Domestic Relations Court (JDRC). This court specifically deals with cases that involve minors and juvenile offenders, focusing on protecting the welfare of children and addressing issues that arise from family and juvenile matters. In cases of assault involving a juvenile, the legal system prioritizes the juvenile's rights and welfare. The JDRC is designed to handle such cases more sensitively and with an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, which aligns with the goals of juvenile justice. The presence of a juvenile in this scenario necessitates the involvement of a court that is equipped to manage cases involving minors, which is why the other options are less relevant. General District Court may handle some misdemeanor cases but lacks the specialized focus on juvenile matters. Circuit Court, which deals with more serious offenses, would be more applicable if the charges were severe enough to warrant adult court treatment. The Supreme Court does not deal with preliminary hearings or juvenile cases directly, as it primarily handles appellate cases. Thus, the Juvenile Domestic Relations Court is the most appropriate forum for this type of case.