NCJ Number
116652
Date Published
1989
Length
268 pages
Annotation
This book examines delinquent behavior and the operation of the juvenile control system.
Abstract
The history and origins of American delinquency laws and the control system for dealing with problem youths are examined. Social, political, legal, and economic developments which gave rise to new delinquency laws and control mechanisms are presented, and empirical patterns of delinquency are described. General issues, such as how many youths engage in delinquent conduct and what proportion of all criminal offenses are committed by juveniles, are examined. Narrow issues, such as differences in delinquency involvement by gender and social class, are also analyzed. The juvenile control system is analyzed, and delinquency prevention is examined. Political debates, legislative and court rulings, and economic factors are examined and analyzed as contexts that shape legal arrangements for problem youth. Figures, tables, index, and references.