What type of assessment is used to determine a juvenile's suitability for adult court?

The type of assessment used to determine a juvenile's suitability for adult court is a fitness hearing. This hearing evaluates whether a juvenile can be tried as an adult based on various factors, including the nature of the offense, the youth's age, prior delinquent history, and their capacity to understand the legal proceedings. The court examines these considerations to decide if the juvenile is fit for adult court prosecution.

A fitness hearing provides a formal process where legal and psychological assessments may also contribute, but the primary focus is on the juvenile's ability to comprehend the trial process and participate in their defense appropriately. This ensures that the juvenile justice system balances accountability with the recognition of the developmental differences of young offenders compared to adults.

Other assessments like psychological evaluations or risk assessments, while valuable in understanding a juvenile's mental health or propensity for reoffending, do not specifically address the legal criteria for transferring a case to adult court in the same manner that a fitness hearing does. An intake assessment generally occurs earlier in the juvenile justice process to gather information about the minor and their background but is not solely focused on determining suitability for adult trial.