What evidence must be found before a minor can be held in detention?

Probable cause of committing the alleged crime is the correct standard that must be met before a minor can be held in detention. In the juvenile justice system, just as in the adult system, the principle of probable cause serves as a necessary justification for detaining an individual. This means that there must be reasonable grounds for believing that the minor has committed the offense for which they are being detained. This standard is not as high as the requirement for a conviction but indicates that there is enough evidence to support the belief that the minor was involved in unlawful activity.

Clear evidence of immediate danger, while relevant in some contexts, does not directly pertain to the specific requirement for detention based solely on the alleged crime. Witness testimonies might corroborate a case but are not the minimum requirement for detention. A conclusive judgment by the court is even further down the line in the legal process, as detention occurs prior to any final ruling. Thus, the standard of probable cause strikes a balance between protecting the rights of minors and ensuring public safety within the legal framework.