Quote:
Originally posted by kutulu
How could the Judge keep him from argueing that it was in self defense? Shouldn't they be appealing the verdict?
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Juvenile justice is different than the adult system. In juvenile cases, the judge or referee that is presiding is judge, jury, and, for lack of a better term, executioner. The judge listens to all sides of the story, takes suggestions from the probation officer, if one is already involved, and makes his/her decision based on their own experience and opinion. Prior delinquent acts, and the consequences of those acts, are also considered in the judges final verdict.
Now, if the prosecutor had decided to persue adult criminal charges against the boy, then the whole ballgame changes, and thats when juries, appeals, and so forth get involved.