What was a significant change in the treatment of children in the legal system during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, a notable shift in the legal system's approach to children occurred, as they began to be seen as individuals who needed protection rather than merely being viewed through the lens of criminality. This perspective emphasized that children were often victims of their circumstances—such as poverty, neglect, or lack of education—and recognized their vulnerability.

Legal reforms during this time led to the establishment of specialized institutions, such as juvenile courts, that aimed to rehabilitate rather than punish youth offenders. The focus shifted from punitive measures to offering guidance and social support, reflecting a growing awareness of childhood as a distinct and formative stage of life that warranted care and nurturance.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the significant legal changes of the period. The notion that children were viewed as equals in society oversimplifies the dynamics of power and age during that time. The right to vote was not extended to children in the 19th century, as suffrage was primarily limited to adults. Additionally, the automatic expungement of juvenile records did not emerge until much later as laws evolved towards more progressive treatments of youthful offenders.