Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses Do Not Bar Adjudication of Juvenile Delinquent on Basis of Accomplice's Uncorroborated Testimony

Abstract

Discusses the Texas Supreme Court case, In re S.J.C. In this case a juvenile was identified as a participant in a robbery based on an accomplice’s statement. The juvenile went to trial and was found to have engaged in delinquent conduct and committed him to the custody of the Texas Youth Council, pursuant to Title 3 of the Texas Family Code. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that the trial court's adjudication of Petitioner as a delinquent and commission to the Texas Youth Council was not error. The Supreme Court held that a juvenile could be adjudged delinquent solely on the basis of the uncorroborated testimony of an accomplice. The court further held that such an adjudication of delinquency did not violate due process or equal protection of the laws despite the fact that under the same circumstances an adult could not be convicted solely by reason of an accomplice's uncorroborated testimony.