juvenile delinquent

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Definition

Noun: A juvenile delinquent is a young person, typically a minor under the age of 18, who has been found guilty of committing a crime or engaging in illegal or antisocial behavior.

Usage

The term is used formally in legal, social work, and sociological contexts to describe a young offender. It often carries implications about the causes and potential rehabilitation of the youth's behavior. - The court appointed a social worker to the case of the juvenile delinquent. - Programs aimed at rehabilitating juvenile delinquents focus on education and counseling.

Examples
  • The documentary explored the factors that can turn a troubled teen into a juvenile delinquent.
  • The judge ordered the juvenile delinquent to complete community service.
Advanced Usage
  • The concept is central to the field of juvenile delinquency, which studies the nature, causes, and control of illegal behavior by minors.
  • In some legal systems, the term is being replaced by more neutral language like "youthful offender" or "minor in conflict with the law."
Variants and Related Words
  • Delinquency (n): Minor crime, especially that committed by young people.
    • The city has seen a rise in juvenile delinquency.
  • Delinquent (adj/n): Failing in one's duty or law; a delinquent person.
    • He was delinquent in his payments. (adj)
    • The bank contacted the loan delinquent. (n)
Synonyms
  • Young offender
  • Youthful offender
  • Minor offender
Antonyms
  • Law-abiding youth
  • Model minor
Related Phrases
  • Status offender: A juvenile who commits an act that is only considered illegal because of their minor status (e.g., truancy, running away), not a crime for adults.
  • Recidivism: The tendency of a convicted criminal, including a juvenile delinquent, to reoffend.
Noun
  1. a young offender

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