NCJ Number
85455
Journal
Today's Delinquent Volume: 1 Dated: (1982) Pages: 7-24
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examines the volume and nature of violent juvenile crime during the 1970's and the characteristics of violent juvenile offenders.
Abstract
The National Crime Survey estimates that between 1973 and 1979 the number of violent victimizations increased by about 5 percent, but that after controlling for growth in population, the rate of violent crime actually decreased slightly. Over the decade, juveniles accounted for about 20 percent of all arrests for violent crimes, although the number of juvenile arrests increased less than those for adults. Juvenile violent crimes were less serious with regard to physical harm and economic loss than adult violent crimes. In a 10-State sample, 60 percent of youth charged with a violent offense were nonwhite: the greatest representation of nonwhites was in the robbery category. Nearly 40 percent of those charged with a violent crime had no prior court history, but more than 10 percent had been referred to the court on at least five previous occasions. Graphic data and three references are provided. (Author summary modified)