Trial courts have inherent powers, including the authority to punish for contempt. Historically, contempt charges were limited to adults who understood the consequences of deliberately disregarding a court order or challenging the court's authority. Illinois juvenile court judges now use contempt power to force nondelinquent status offenders to comply with routine court directives, a practice having no legal or historical precedent and conflicting with the legislative intent of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.
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