Which court case addresses the necessity of due process for juveniles?

Gault v. U.S. is a landmark Supreme Court case that established the necessity of due process protections for juveniles in the criminal justice system. The case centered on the treatment of juveniles and their right to a formal legal process. The Supreme Court held that the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment applies to juvenile court proceedings. This ruling affirmed that juveniles have the right to notice of charges, the right to legal counsel, and the right to confront witnesses, among other protections that are fundamental to ensuring fair treatment in a legal context.

This case was crucial in recognizing that although juvenile offenders are not held to the same legal standards as adults, they still deserve fundamental rights and protections to safeguard against unfair treatment and to promote the principle of justice, even in juvenile proceedings. The implications of this ruling have shaped how the juvenile justice system operates, ensuring that the rights of young individuals are respected throughout the legal process.