The Evolution of Juvenile Court Jurisdiction and Procedure in Texas

This article the history and development of the juvenile justice system in Texas. It begins with the Pre-Juvenile Court period, specifically covering the infancy defense, capital punishment, and place of confinement. Next, it explains Juvenile Court legislation from 1907 forward, including: the allocation of jurisdiction between juvenile and criminal courts, juvenile court procedure, the hearing, right to counsel and guardian ad litem, privilege against self-incrimination, and problems subsequent to juvenile court proceedings. Finally, the article concludes by explaining the current trend of shifting part-time juvenile courts to full-time domestic relations courts.