What does "juvenile justice" refer to?

"Juvenile justice" specifically refers to the area of law that deals with minors, typically individuals under the age of 18, who have committed offenses. This system is distinct from the adult criminal justice system and includes unique procedures, rights, and rehabilitative approaches aimed at addressing the particular needs and circumstances of young offenders.

The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, recognizing that minors may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions and are still in a critical stage of development. This focus on rehabilitation seeks to reintegrate young individuals back into society as productive members rather than solely punishing them for their actions.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to juvenile justice. The legal system governing adult offenders pertains to individuals 18 years and older, thus is not relevant to the discussion of juvenile justice. A special program for adult rehabilitation focuses on adult offenders rather than minors. Finally, the process of handling civil disputes relates to issues of civil law, such as personal injury claims or divorce proceedings, which are entirely separate from the criminal matters addressed within the juvenile justice framework.