Delinquency Jurisdiction Law and Legal Definition
Delinquency jurisdiction refers to the power of the court to hear matters regarding juvenile acts that, if committed by an adult, would be criminal. For example, under Alabama's Juvenile Code, the delinquency jurisdiction of the juvenile court is restricted solely to cases in which the juvenile has committed a crime under the laws of the state, or under the laws of another state in which the act is committed, or under federal law or where the juvenile has violated a municipal ordinance. [Ala. Code §§ 12-15- 1(8), (9) (1975)]. The delinquency petition must specifically allege the acts which bring the juvenile within the court's jurisdiction. [Ala. Code § 12-15-65(b) (1975)].
