NCJ Number
170270
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (1997) Pages: 265-277
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study tested the ability of a general conflict model to predict a systematic processing bias against socially disadvantaged young people in Ohio's juvenile justice system and also examined a specific hypothesis derived from the model regarding differential treatment as a function of the actual threat posed by minorities and poor people.
Abstract
The study sample consisted of 2,334 juvenile court cases from 17 Ohio counties. Three decision points in the juvenile justice system were considered: detention, adjudication, and disposition. Independent variables included demographic, social, and legal dimensions. Statistical analysis revealed differential treatment of minority young people at the detention stage only and suggested the nature of the threat posed by minorities and the underclass was more symbolic than objective at the community level. The fact that race and class do not have a systematic impact on case processing decisions by juvenile courts may be a function of different social contexts in communities where juvenile cases are handled. 40 references, 7 notes, and 3 tables