What impact does a juvenile conviction have in a civil trial?

A juvenile conviction generally has a limited impact in a civil trial primarily due to the recognition of the need to protect the rehabilitative purpose of the juvenile justice system and to consider the child's status. The rationale is that juvenile proceedings are typically aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment, reflecting the belief that children should not be held to the same standards as adults in legal contexts. Therefore, the outcomes of juvenile adjudications are considered to be less severe and not equivalent to adult convictions, reinforcing the principle that they should generally be deemed inadmissible in civil actions.

While there are exceptions wherein juvenile convictions can be admissible, such as if they are directly relevant to the issues being litigated or if the juvenile has been tried as an adult, the overarching rule favors inadmissibility. This approach helps safeguard the juvenile's future and encourages their reintegration into society without the lasting stigma that could come from using juvenile convictions against them in civil matters. Additionally, the idea that parental approval is necessary does not align with the legal principles regarding the admissibility of juvenile records, as this does not affect the fundamental protections in place for juveniles.