juvenile court

noun

: a court that has special jurisdiction over delinquent and dependent children usually up to the age of 18

Examples of juvenile court in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In explaining the decision, the judge said the juvenile court's purpose isn't to punish, but rather to rehabilitate. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 The court has granted a reverse waiver hearing to determine if the case can be transferred to juvenile court. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Others faced terrorism charges in juvenile courts presided over by judges who disregarded international protections for children. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2025 In California, 12 is the minimum age a child can be held criminally responsible for charges in juvenile court, per the outlet. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for juvenile court

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of juvenile court was in 1899

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Juvenile court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juvenile%20court. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

juvenile court

noun
: a court that has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency proceedings or other civil proceedings involving minors or juveniles compare family court

More from Merriam-Webster on juvenile court

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!