What is the legal process of determining the guilt of a person in the juvenile system?

Adjudication is the legal process used in the juvenile system to determine the guilt of a person. During adjudication, the court evaluates the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to make a determination regarding the allegations against the juvenile. This process is akin to a trial but is distinct in its approach, focusing more on rehabilitative outcomes rather than punitive measures, which is characteristic of the juvenile justice system.

In adjudication, the judge or magistrate, rather than a jury, typically presides over the case, and the atmosphere is generally more informal than in adult court settings. The primary goal is to assess the needs and circumstances of the youth and determine the appropriate intervention or rehabilitation strategy, reflecting the juvenile system's emphasis on rehabilitation instead of punishment.

The other options represent different aspects of the legal process but do not specifically refer to the phase of determining guilt in juvenile cases. A trial is a more formal proceeding often used in adult courts, sentencing occurs after a finding of guilt to determine the consequences for the offender, and plea bargaining involves negotiations between the defense and prosecution, often to secure a guilty plea before the adjudication process takes place.