Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge would an adult face if they encourage illegal behavior in a juvenile?

1. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor

2. Child endangerment

3. Facilitating juvenile crime

4. Assistant to juvenile offenders

The correct answer is: Contributing to the delinquency of a minor

The charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor is applicable because it specifically addresses the actions of an adult that encourage or assist a juvenile in engaging in illegal behavior. This law aims to hold adults accountable for their influence on minors, recognizing that their encouragement or enablement can lead to criminal acts. In contrast, child endangerment typically pertains to situations where a child is placed in danger due to an adult's reckless actions or negligence, rather than their encouragement of illegal activities. Facilitating juvenile crime suggests a more active role in helping commit a specific crime, which may not encompass the broader encouragement implied by the first option. Assisting juvenile offenders may indicate providing help post-offense instead of the proactive encouragement of delinquent behavior. Therefore, the correct charge reflects the direct responsibility of an adult in influencing a minor towards illegal acts.