Are all juvenile court cases and hearings confidential?

In juvenile court, confidentiality is a fundamental principle aimed at protecting the privacy of minors involved in legal proceedings. Most juvenile court cases and hearings are indeed confidential as part of the effort to shield young individuals from the potential repercussions of having their legal issues made public. This confidentiality helps to ensure that minors can participate in the legal process without fear of stigma or lasting damage to their reputation.

The overarching goal is to protect minors, recognizing their developmental stage and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment. By keeping proceedings confidential, the court fosters an environment that encourages honest communication and problem-solving, which is crucial for the rehabilitation process.

It's worth noting that there are some exceptions where confidentiality may not apply, such as cases involving serious crimes, or circumstances where public safety is at risk, but these are not the norm. Therefore, the general rule is that most juvenile court cases remain confidential, affirming the correct answer to the question.