This paper examines the
juvenile justice system in the United States, explaining the reasons why it is separated from the
regular crime system and how it is influenced by the political and social conditions of the state. Particular attention is paid to the
juvenile justice system in California and how the system has increasingly focused on incarceration rather than rehabilitation. Finally, the paper discusses evidence indicating that mental health services at an early age are highly effective in treating potential juvenile offenders and turning them away from a life of crime.