A juvenile court—also known as a young offender’s court—is a special court that handles criminal proceedings against minors—usually a child age 17 or younger, but in some states a child age 16 or younger, or age 15 or younger. Juveniles who are accused of violating a criminal statute against theft, drug use, drug possession, assault, disorderly conduct, underage drinking, truancy (skipping school), and curfew violations are often handled by juvenile courts. Juvenile dependency cases in which the state seeks to remove minors from a troubled home environment (when they are abused or neglected by their parents or guardians) are also handled by juvenile courts. But more violent offenses such as aggravated assault, rape, murder, and robbery are less likely to be prosecuted in juvenile court.

Cases in juvenile court are civil proceedings rather than criminal proceedings. This is significant because in juvenile court minors are charged with committing a delinquent act (a civil matter) rather than being charged with a criminal act. In juvenile court, juveniles do not have all of the Constitutional rights as an adult in criminal court does (such as the right to a jury trial), but police, prosecutors, and court officials have broad discretion in handling the case and giving the juvenile a second chance.

In Maryland, juvenile courts handle cases involving minors typically under the age of 18 who are accused of engaging in illegal conduct. The juvenile justice system in Maryland is designed to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, reflecting the belief that young offenders can be reformed. When a minor is alleged to have committed what would be a criminal offense if done by an adult, it is termed a 'delinquent act' rather than a crime. Juvenile proceedings are civil, not criminal, which means that juveniles do not have the right to a jury trial and some other constitutional protections that adults have in criminal court. However, they do have the right to an attorney and the right to due process. For less serious offenses, such as theft, drug offenses, and disorderly conduct, the juvenile court system often handles the cases. However, for more serious or violent crimes, a juvenile may be charged as an adult, depending on the nature of the offense and the age of the offender. Juvenile dependency cases, where minors may be removed from homes due to abuse or neglect, are also within the purview of Maryland's juvenile courts. The state's approach gives authorities, including police, prosecutors, and judges, discretion in determining the most appropriate course of action for the juvenile, with an emphasis on treatment and education, and the possibility of sealing or expunging juvenile records to avoid hindering future opportunities.