Opinion ID: 2219738
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: prefatory statement

Text: At the outset, we must emphasize that this is not a case of a juvenile offender that perpetrated a wrong against an adult or another juvenile. Also, not to be confused with this case are issues that may deal with the prosecution of an alleged juvenile criminal offender as an adult. The State of Illinois has been a leader in creating a separate court system of justice for minors with a goal of rehabilitation rather than punishment. (1899 Ill.Laws 131.) This concept was followed by other States. However, the policy of rehabilitation is undergoing reevaluation. The alarming increase in juvenile involvement in major crimes has created a more vocal opposition to rehabilitation and a call for retribution and deterrence as an effective technique for controlling antisocial behavior. (Geraghty & Raphael, Reporter's Privilege and Juvenile Anonymity: Two Confidentiality Policies on a Collision Course, 16 Loy.U.Chi.L.J. 43, 76 (1984).) It is argued that publicizing the names of juvenile offenders would deter the criminal activity by other juveniles and cause parents to place greater controls on the behavior of their children. In this case, we are not asked to choose between the merits of the conflicting philosophies of dealing with juvenile offenders. The most significant aspect of this case is that it does not involve juvenile offenders. It involves juvenile victims of child abuse by a parent.