What is the function of a Petition in juvenile court?

The function of a Petition in juvenile court is primarily to set forth the charge according to the law. In juvenile proceedings, a Petition serves as a formal document that initiates the court process by outlining the allegations against the juvenile. It specifies the nature of the offense and provides the statutory basis for the charges, which is essential for determining how the case will proceed. This structured approach ensures that the juvenile understands the accusations and that there is a clear basis for the court's jurisdiction over the matter.

While other functions, like requesting a public defender, appealing a previous ruling, or submitting evidence, are important components of the judicial process, they do not accurately describe the primary role of a Petition. A public defender is typically assigned at a later stage; appeals are addressed through separate processes; and evidence is presented during hearings rather than being the main purpose of a Petition. Thus, option B accurately reflects the fundamental purpose of a Petition in juvenile court proceedings.