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