What is a trial to a judge to determine whether a juvenile is delinquent or incorrigible called?

The term "Adjudicated Hearing" refers specifically to the legal process in which a judge assesses whether a juvenile has committed an act that would be considered delinquent or has displayed incorrigible behavior. This hearing is crucial in juvenile justice, as it focuses on evaluating the evidence presented and determining the appropriate course of action regarding the juvenile's behavior.

In many jurisdictions, including Arizona, the adjudicated hearing serves to establish the facts of the case and decide whether the juvenile should be adjudicated as delinquent, meaning they have been found to have engaged in conduct that violates the law, or incorrigible, which often refers to behavior that is unruly or defiant.

Understanding this terminology is vital, as it distinguishes the nature of different hearings that occur within juvenile court proceedings. For instance, a delinquency hearing allows for the determination of specific acts leading to delinquency, while an injunction hearing typically pertains to prevention or enforcement of protective orders, and a custody hearing focuses on the placement of a child, rather than the evaluation of the child’s behavior itself.