Which of the following best describes the role of juvenile courts?

The role of juvenile courts is best described as balancing public interests and the juvenile's best interest. This approach recognizes that juveniles are still developing and should not be subjected to the same punitive measures as adults. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, juvenile courts aim to provide an environment that fosters rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

This balance is important because it acknowledges the need to protect the community while also considering the unique circumstances and potential for change in young offenders. The structures of juvenile courts are designed to be less adversarial than adult courts, often focusing on providing the necessary support and interventions to help juveniles make better choices in the future.

In contrast, executing adult-like penalties for minors, focusing solely on punishment, or disregarding juveniles' interests would not effectively address the holistic needs of young individuals who often require guidance and support to overcome their circumstances.