How must juvenile legal records be maintained in relation to adult records?

Juvenile legal records are required to be kept separate from adult records to protect the privacy and rehabilitation opportunities of minors. This separation acknowledges the distinct nature of juvenile justice, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. Keeping records separate ensures that juvenile offenders are not unduly stigmatized or disadvantaged due to their juvenile history when they transition into adulthood.

By maintaining a clear distinction, the juvenile justice system emphasizes the belief that young people should have the opportunity for a fresh start, and having separate records helps to uphold this principle. Additionally, many jurisdictions have specific legal requirements that mandate the confidentiality of juvenile records, prohibiting their sharing with the general public or integration with adult criminal records.

In contrast, combining records or allowing broad access could undermine the rehabilitative goals of the juvenile system and negatively impact a minor's future prospects, including education and employment opportunities. Other options like sharing with law enforcement or destruction timelines may relate to broader record management practices but do not reflect the core principle of confidentiality and separation that governs juvenile records.