Massachusetts Law About the Juvenile Justice System
See Also:
Massachusetts Laws
MGL c.119, s.52-72B: Delinquent Children
Juvenile Court
Massachusetts Juvenile Court Department
Court Rules
Forms
Selected Cases
Comm. v. Gavin G., 437 Mass. 470 (2002). "The SJC held that while Juvenile Court judges do have the authority to order expungement of police records, no such authority exists to order expungement of probation records."
Kenniston v. Dept. of Youth Services, 453 Mass. 179 (2009). The SJC held that the law permitting DYS to hold eighteen year olds for an additional three years if they "would be physically dangerous to the public" (G. L. c. 120, ยงยง 17-19) is unconstitutional "because it violates substantive due process requirements."
Other Web Sources
About our Legal System: Juvenile Courts, Mass. Bar Association. Explains the three primary subject matters over which the Juvenile Court has the authority to decide : delinquency matters, child abuse and neglect cases, and Child in Need of Services matters (CHINS).
Frequently Asked Questions for Kids (about the juvenile justice system), Youth Advocacy Project. Includes info on court, DYS, CHINS and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lawyers and Advocates (about the juvenile justice system), Youth Advocacy Project. Includes info on bail, DYS, immigration, public housing and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents (about the juvenile justice system), Youth Advocacy Project. Includes info on court, DYS, CHINS and more.
Now That You're in Juvenile Court..., Youth Advocacy Project. Fact sheet for kids on what happens in juvenile court.
Now That You're on Probation..., Youth Advocacy Project. Fact sheet for kids on your responsibilities as a probationer.
Sealing Juvenile Records, Children's Law Center. Explains the process of having a juvenile record sealed.
What Happens When I "Plead Out"?, Children's Law Center. "A plea is a "deal" that your attorney works out with the prosecutor." Explains the process of accepting a plea and appearing in court.
What is a Disposition in a Delinquency Case?, Children's Law Center. Explains the various dispositions, including dismissal, continued without a finding (CWOF), commitment to DYS and more.