Abstract
This Commentary accompanies the Model Juvenile Justice Act for States (v0.3 — Draft for Expert Review) and explains the logic, structure, and interpretive guidance for each major module. The Model Act is designed as both a codified juvenile justice framework and a modular reform tool that may be adopted as a stand-alone code or implemented incrementally through amendments.
The Commentary clarifies the normative logic of key sections, supports state-level adaptation, and situates the Act within broader constitutional, international, developmental, and evidence-based policy contexts. It addresses purpose and definitions, age and jurisdiction, diversion, school-based responses, waiver and reverse waiver, restorative justice, procedural safeguards, data standards, reporting, and implementation.