North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is a delinquent juvenile defined as?

1. A juvenile who commits motor vehicle violations

2. A juvenile under 18 who commits indirect contempt or a crime

3. A juvenile who has run away from home

4. A juvenile who consistently skips school

The correct answer is: A juvenile under 18 who commits indirect contempt or a crime

A delinquent juvenile is defined as a person under the age of 18 who engages in behaviors that are considered criminal under the law. In this case, option B correctly identifies a delinquent juvenile as one who commits indirect contempt or a crime. This definition aligns with legal standards and recognizes that such behavior represents a violation of law that is punishable within the juvenile justice system. The other options represent different behaviors that may involve juveniles but do not specifically align with the legal definition of delinquency. For instance, while a juvenile who commits motor vehicle violations can be viewed as engaging in illegal activity, not all motor vehicle violations necessarily classify a juvenile as delinquent under the legal framework. Similarly, running away from home and consistently skipping school may involve concerning behavior but do not directly fall under the legal definition of delinquency as articulated in the law. These behaviors may lead to different interventions rather than being considered criminal acts. Therefore, option B provides the most accurate representation of a delinquent juvenile.