Domestic “relations” at the defense department: Toward a framework for concurrent jurisdiction over juveniles

Military installations function as complex jurisdictional enclaves where service members' children intermingle with civilian youth, creating a compelling national security interest in clearly defined authority over juvenile justice. This article, an excerpt of a larger corpus of research regarding jurisdictional transfers at military installations, examines the historical development and current challenges of establishing concurrent jurisdiction over juvenile matters on military installations, analyzing the unique classification of juvenile law and its impact on jurisdictional frameworks. Through analysis of federal and state legislation, court decisions, and practical implementation across all 50 states, this research identifies significant gaps in current juvenile justice frameworks on military installations. These ambiguities can result in juvenile cases being dismissed from state courts, even in states with concurrent jurisdiction over criminal matters. The article provides a model framework for establishing comprehensive concurrent juvenile jurisdiction, including specific recommendations for state legislative reform. Key elements include explicit inclusion of juvenile matters in jurisdictional statutes, clear definition of status offenses, precise description of jurisdictional boundaries, and authorization of intergovernmental agreements. This research contributes to ongoing Department of Defense efforts to remove barriers to juvenile justice on military installations while ensuring young people have access to appropriate rehabilitative services through state juvenile justice systems.