What does the term "juvenile justice" refer to?

The term "juvenile justice" specifically refers to legal systems and processes designed to handle crimes committed by minors, typically individuals under the age of 18. This system recognizes that young offenders are developmentally different from adults, and therefore, it seeks to provide a rehabilitative approach rather than purely punitive measures.

Juvenile justice focuses on the treatment and rehabilitation of young offenders, emphasizing their potential for reform and reintegration into society. It often involves a different set of laws, courts, and correctional facilities tailored for addressing the unique circumstances and needs of youth involved in the legal system.

In contrast, the other options pertain to processes and systems that are not focused on minors or juvenile offenders. Therefore, they do not capture the essence of what juvenile justice encompasses. The distinction is important, as the juvenile justice system aims to promote positive outcomes for youth rather than solely enforce penalties.