juvenile delinquency

American  

noun

1. behavior of a child or youth that is so marked by violation of law, persistent mischievousness, antisocial behavior, disobedience, or intractability as to thwart correction by parents and to constitute a matter for action by the juvenile courts.

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juvenile delinquency British  

noun

1. antisocial or criminal conduct by juvenile delinquents

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Etymology

Origin of juvenile delinquency

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The rule makes clear that expunged convictions, juvenile delinquency adjudications and convictions under state laws for immigration-related offenses don’t disqualify a person from DACA.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the French government points to underprivilege in low-income urban neighbourhoods and juvenile delinquency, a reflection of the state’s belief that citizens are united under a single French identity, regardless of race or ethnicity.

From Reuters

Police arrested the boys suspected in both hotel incidents, and prosecutors charged them under the juvenile delinquency code.

From Los Angeles Times

The foundation named for Ripken’s late father was founded in part to deter juvenile delinquency and by paring vulnerable youth with law enforcement mentors from local communities.

From Seattle Times

The ruling also said the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 directives expressly identified juvenile delinquency proceedings as an exception to the suspension of in-person proceedings.

From Seattle Times