Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding the elements of a delinquent act committed by juveniles?

1. A jury trial is mandatory

2. Preliminary hearings are required for felonies

3. Trials are held in juvenile court without a jury

4. Petitions are filed by public defenders

The correct answer is: Trials are held in juvenile court without a jury

The statement indicating that trials are held in juvenile court without a jury is accurate, as juvenile courts have a different procedure than adult courts. In juvenile proceedings, the focus is primarily on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and this is reflected in the absence of jury trials. Instead, a judge typically presides over the case and makes determinations based on the evidence and arguments presented. This approach is grounded in the belief that juveniles should be treated differently than adults, acknowledging their developmental status and the goal of guiding them toward better behavior. The distinction in procedures also supports the overarching philosophy of the juvenile justice system, which emphasizes treatment and guidance rather than retribution, in contrast to the adult criminal justice system. This key difference reinforces why trials in juvenile court do not require a jury, making the provided statement true.