- The juvenile justice system originated from the idea that children should be treated differently than adults under the law due to their immaturity. In the past, children were punished the same as adults, including facing the death penalty. - The first juvenile court was established in Cook County, Illinois in 1899. This started a movement where other states created separate courts to handle juvenile offenders with the goal of rehabilitation due to children's undeveloped decision making. - Juvenile courts have jurisdiction over juvenile offenders and certain status offenses. Status offenses are actions that would not be considered criminal if committed by an adult, such as truancy or underage drinking.