09/22/20
Bench Card
This bench card, created in partnership by the NCJFCJ and the National Juvenile Defender Center and funded by the State Justice Institute, is intended to assist judges in considering the consequences of juvenile court involvement that may adversely affect public safety and positive youth development. The bench card is not intended to impinge upon or alter constitutional or statutory responsibilities of the court. Judges and attorneys have different ethical responsibilities but share the goal of ensuring that youth are acting knowingly and voluntarily when admitting or pleading to an offense.