How much do you know about the juvenile justice system in Washington State? The juvenile courts are a division of the Superior Courts, and they focus solely on juvenile issues. The courts address both civil and criminal cases; the civil cases are primarily truancy, child welfare, and family services. When judges are dealing with juvenile offender cases, there is a concerted focus on rehabilitation, recognizing that youth’s brain development is still occurring and there needs to be a different form of sentencing happening than in adult court. Hear Thurston County judge, Indu Thomas, explain her work as a Superior Court judge in the juvenile division.
Essential Questions:
- How do juvenile courts operate?
- To what extent do judges have discretion when sentencing juveniles?
- To what extent does the court system impact community safety?
Objectives:
- Understand the types of consequences and penalties judges may impose on juvenile offenders
- Identify the philosophy of the Washington State Courts in regards to juvenile justice
- Understand the limits on the judge’s role in setting dispositions on juveniles
Teacher Guide 
Slide Deck