The Juvenile Court Act of 1899 established the first juvenile court in which state?

• A. Massachusetts
• B. Illinois
• C. California
• D. New York

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the origin of the separate system for handling juvenile offenders. The Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1899 established the first dedicated juvenile court, in Cook County (the Chicago area). This reform created a court focused on rehabilitation and welfare for youths, using parens patriae to treat children differently from adults. Illinois’ act served as the model that many other states soon followed, so it’s recognized as the birthplace of the modern juvenile court system. The other states later established their own juvenile courts, which is why they aren’t recognized as the first.