NCJ Number
182177
Editor(s)
Tamara L. Roleff
Date Published
2000
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This book presents papers with opposing views on the following topics: what causes crime, whether controlling guns controls crime, how society should treat juvenile offenders, and how crime can be prevented.
Abstract
The papers on what causes crime present opposing views on genetics as a factor in criminal behavior, poverty as a primary influence on criminal behavior, and violence in the media as a factor in juvenile crime. Papers on the effectiveness of gun control in reducing crime present opposing views on the impact of gun control laws, the carrying of concealed weapons, the banning of semiautomatic rifles, and waiting periods and instant background checks. Eight papers on how society should manage juvenile offenders provide opposing views on the management of violent juveniles criminals as adults, the imposition of civil ordinances against gangs, the holding of parents responsible for their children's crimes, and government-mandated teen curfews. Opposing views on crime prevention measures focus on the deterrence effectiveness of the death penalty, the impact of "three-strikes" laws on crime, the imprisoning and consequent incapacitation of criminals, and a strong police presence in a community. A periodical bibliography accompanies each of the four major sections of papers. A list of organizations to contact, a subject index, and a 21-item bibliography of books