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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Juvenile Benchbook


The Juvenile Benchbook was prepared by the Office of State Courts Administrator with assistance from an editorial board. It will be updated periodically. Your comments and suggestions for revisions regarding content and format are welcome.

Table of Contents

Chapter 01:  Interstate Compact on Child Placement
Chapter 02:  Termination of Parental Rights
Chapter 03:  Jurisdiction
Chapter 04:  Venue
Chapter 05:  Parties
Chapter 06:  Transfer of Cases
Chapter 07:  Elements of Proof
Chapter 08:  Taking a Juvenile into Judicial Custody
Chapter 09:  Preliminary Inquiry/Informal Adjustment
Chapter 10:  Pleadings/Service
Chapter 11:  Right to Counsel
Chapter 12:  Presence and Exclusion of Parties at Hearing
Chapter 13:  Admission to Hearings
Chapter 14:  Record of Proceedings
Chapter 15:  Rules of Evidence
Chapter 16:  Dismissal to Allow Prosecution of Juvenile Under General Law as an Adult
Chapter 17:  Hearing on Petition
Chapter 18:  Physical and Mental Examination
Chapter 19:  Disqualification of Judicial Officer
Chapter 20:  Search Warrants


  → Download the entire Juvenile Benchbook here