NCJ Number
115266
Date Published
1978
Length
284 pages
Annotation
This literature search of the current state of knowledge concerning juvenile classification and the juvenile justice system will provide policymakers, planners, and program administrators with some new insights into what is currently known and what future directions need to be taken.
Abstract
A national portrait of the juvenile justice system first examines the system in historical context, and then a system model is portrayed. It addresses the system as process, law enforcement, court intake, prosecution, the court, corrections, and release and aftercare. The portrait also encompasses case classification by the juvenile justice system, with attention to case dispositional alternatives. An assessment of literature-based knowledge considers the main themes of law enforcement, court intake, and post disposition. The assessment of the literature on law enforcement addresses the police response to juveniles under such topics as the seriousness and nature of the offense, prior record, victim's/complainant's preference, codefendants, evidence, juvenile's attitude toward the police, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sex, age, family status, officer characteristics, and policy and organizational strategy. Appended charts and figures.