What does juvenile court have original jurisdiction over?

Juvenile court holds original jurisdiction specifically over cases involving alleged abuse, neglect, and dependency. This jurisdiction allows juvenile courts to address matters where a child may be at risk due to the actions or inactions of parents or guardians. The emphasis in juvenile law is on the welfare of the child and ensuring their safety and proper care.

Such cases are handled in juvenile court to provide a more supportive and rehabilitative environment, focusing on the needs of the child rather than punishment, which is more typical in adult criminal court. This approach recognizes that interventions are necessary to protect children and help families, distinguishing these proceedings from other legal areas like adult criminal cases, traffic violations, or family law disputes, which fall under different jurisdictions.