NCJ Number
105218
Journal
Law and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 397-417
Date Published
1986
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The policies advanced by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, while generally viewed as a success, are seen by some as a failure that may even abet juveniles in the commission of crime.
Abstract
After tracing the evolution of Federal juvenile justice legislation and examining arrest and treatment data, the authors confront the criticisms aimed at the act, and find reason for considerable optimism. Nationwide, the number, proportion, and rate of juvenile arrests have fallen more than the juvenile population, and many States appear to have made substantial progress in improving the processing and treatment of juveniles. The authors conclude that the act is a continuing source of Federal leadership for State innovation. (Author abstract)