What classification is given to a juvenile offender?

The classification of a juvenile offender as "delinquent" is rooted in the legal system's approach to handling youths who commit acts that would be considered crimes if they were adults. The term "delinquent" specifically refers to juveniles who engage in behaviors that violate the law, and it highlights the distinction between juvenile offenses and adult criminal behavior.

In many jurisdictions, juvenile offenders are not labeled as "criminals" because the legal system seeks to rehabilitate rather than punish young individuals. The focus is on correction and prevention rather than retribution, which is why the term "delinquent" is used to signify behaviors that require intervention from the juvenile justice system.

The other terms do not accurately capture this legal distinction. "Minor" simply refers to someone's age and does not imply wrongdoing, while "victim" denotes someone who has suffered harm and is unrelated to the status of being an offender. Thus, "delinquent" is the appropriate classification for a juvenile who breaks the law, as it aligns with the rehabilitative goals of the juvenile justice system.