(a) Court of inquiry. The juvenile court shall have jurisdiction to act as a court of inquiry with all the powers and rights allowed courts of inquiry in this state and to examine or investigate into the circumstances or causes of any conduct or acts of any person 17 years of age or over that may be in violation of the laws of this state whenever the person is brought before the court in the course of any proceeding instituted under this article. The court shall cause the person to be apprehended and brought before it upon either a writ of summons, a warrant duly issued, or by arrest. Where, after hearing evidence, the court has reasonably ascertained that there is probable cause to believe that the person has committed a misdemeanor or felony as prescribed under the laws of this state, the court shall commit, bind over to the court of proper jurisdiction in this state, or discharge the person. When justice shall require, the court shall cause the person to make the bond or bail as the court shall deem proper under the circumstances, to cause the person to appear before the court of proper jurisdiction in this state to be acted upon as provided by law.

(b) Court of record. The juvenile court is a court of record, having a seal. The judge and the judge's duly appointed representatives shall each have power to administer oaths and affirmations.

(c) Issuance of warrants by juvenile court judge. The juvenile court judge and associate juvenile court judge shall have authority to issue a warrant for the arrest of any child for an offense committed against the laws of this state, based either on personal knowledge or the information of others given under oath.