NCJ Number
54858
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM DESCRIBES THE BACKGROUND OF JUDGE JOSEPH SORRENTINO OF CALIFORNIA AND HIS WORK WITH JUVENILES IN CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS, PRISONS, AND DETENTION CENTERS.
Abstract
HAVING GROWN UP IN THE URBAN SLUMS OF LOS ANGELES, CALIF., AND HAVING BEEN IN AND OUT OF TROUBLE WITH THE POLICE FOR MINOR OFFENSES AS A JUVENILE, JUDGE SORRENTINO HAS THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH JUVENILE DELINQUENTS THAN MOST OTHER JUDGES IN THE JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM. SORRENTINO CONDUCTS A REGULAR LECTURE CIRCUIT TO HIGH SCHOOLS, DETENTION CENTERS, AND JUVENILE INSTITUTIONS WHERE HE DISCUSSES HIS BACKGROUND EXPERIENCES WITH THE LAW, EMPHASIZES THE HUMILIATION AND SUFFERING ONE CAN ENCOUNTER DURING THE ARREST-TRIAL-INSTITUTIONALIZATION PROCESS, AND ENCOURAGES JUVENILES TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEVIANT AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR BEFORE ACTING. SINCE HE DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, THE JUDGE IS ALSO AN EXAMPLE TO JUVENILES WITH LEARNING PROBLEMS OR OTHER SCHOOL PROBLEMS. HE URGES THEM TO STAY IN SCHOOL AND GET A DEGREE TO INCREASE THEIR CHANCES OF OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT AND FOR PERSONAL PRIDE. (DAG)