NCJ Number
191641
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews research examining the long-term impact of recidivism in non-transferred juveniles versus transferred juveniles.
Abstract
Transfer laws were imposed to enhance community protection against serious and violent juvenile offenders. However, over the long-term, the transferring of juveniles to criminal court, may actually reduce community protection. Five large-scale studies conducted in the late 1990's were reviewed indicating that juveniles tried in criminal court had greater recidivism rates after release than juveniles tried in juvenile court. The higher recidivism rates in criminal court were attributed to the possibility that rehabilitation efforts in the juvenile justice system were more effective with their focus on individualized and non-punitive treatment. The adult criminal justice system was also seen as having a negative impact on a juvenile's self-concept and weakening their sense of connection to their community, impacting recidivism rates. References