NCJ Number
151973
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 429-452
Date Published
1994
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Using data obtained from a survey of 53 circuit court judges in Florida, this study examines judicial attitudes toward statutorily mandated criteria and the relationship between support for detention reform and judges' beliefs about the purpose of detention and their role in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Contrary to research hypothesis, the findings failed to confirm any significant relationships between demographic factors, occupational influences, or judicial activism, and judicial support for detention reforms. The most important factor predicting support for detention reform was the judges' personal beliefs about the purpose of detention. Those who believed strongly in a more open- ended use of secure detention to attain punishment and/or treatment goals were less likely to support reforms that would limit discretionary decisionmaking. Judges' confidence in alternative options to detention was also important in determining support for detention intake reforms. 1 figure, 6 tables, 6 notes, and 80 references