What is the term used for a hearing that determines if allegations against a minor are true?

The term for a hearing that determines if allegations against a minor are true is an adjudicatory hearing. In the context of juvenile justice, an adjudicatory hearing serves a similar purpose to a trial in adult court. During this hearing, evidence is presented, and the judge evaluates the facts to determine whether the allegations of wrongdoing have been substantiated.

If the allegations are found to be true, various outcomes may follow, potentially leading to further proceedings focused on rehabilitation, education, or support for the minor. This process emphasizes the importance of the minor’s best interests and considers their developmental needs.

Other types of hearings, such as a sentencing hearing, would occur after the adjudicatory process if the allegations were found to be true, while a dispositional hearing typically focuses on the appropriate consequences or disposition for a minor found to have committed an offense. An emancipation hearing deals with a different legal matter concerning a minor's right to independence from their parents or guardians, rather than addressing allegations of wrongdoing.