The juvenile justice system in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, a person under the age of 16 is considered a juvenile. In addition to an upper age limit, the juvenile justice system also sets a lower age limit. In most jurisdictions, the lower age is set at six or seven. This is because young children are not capable of criminal intent, also known as mens rea. Additionally, young children are not able to distinguish right from wrong, or doli incapax, in legal terms. If a young person allegedly commits a juvenile crime, it is important in the perspective of the legal system whether or not the person is considered an adult or a juvenile.

For example, a juvenile who is found guilty of certain offenses may not have a criminal record once he or she reaches the age of 21. On the other hand, an adult who is convicted of similar offenses may have a permanent criminal record. Some criminologists have criticized the practice of setting a specific age as a determination of adulthood. This is because people become mature at different rates. Juvenile court judges are allowed to use their own discretion to push juveniles to adult court.