NCJ Number
77419
Date Published
1980
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This report considers the extent in New Jersey of juvenile violence and vandalism, particularly in the schools; current juvenile justice law; recent juvenile justice literature; and a summary of juvenile justice public hearing testimony.
Abstract
Statistics show that juvenile crime in New Jersey is as serious as it is nationally; property crimes and crimes of violence committed by juveniles are increasing, while the cost of incarcerating and rehabilitating juvenile offenders is rising. Current court processing of juveniles and treatment approaches are being criticized, and the social problems underlying increased deviant juvenile behavior are being identified by many experts as the ultimate targets for reducing juvenile crime. Violence and vandalism in the schools account for a large segment of the juvenile problem. School vandalism cost the State $17,730,558 in fiscal year 1975. Drug and alcohol use in the schools contributes to violent behavior. Major substantive law bearing upon juvenile justice is New Jersey's 1973 Juvenile Justice Act, which delineates the juvenile offenses and the method of their processing by the criminal justice system. Manuals have been issued to provide guidelines for police in dealing with juvenile problems and for the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Intake Services. There are also court rules delineating procedures for juvenile cases. Publications produced by various State departments and agencies have analyzed the problems and made recommendations in the areas of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice processing. Public hearing testimony on the issue of juvenile justice summarizes the comments of citizens, educators, elected officials, juvenile court representatives, and police, as well as juveniles themselves.