NCJ Number
90932
Journal
Revue penitentiaire et de droit penal Volume: 105 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1981) Pages: 251-258
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper summarizes a study of the particular problems posed for the criminal justice system by young adult offenders, (i.e., individuals 18 to 25 years old).
Abstract
In France, the age of majority was set at 18 by a 1974 law. In the following year, the option which permits judges to apply juvenile protective measures was extended to include offenders under 21 years old. However, specific legal provisions covering judicial treatment of young adult offenders have not yet been forthcoming. In the author's view, appropriate revisions are not possible without further study of the biological, psychological, and sociological factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. As long-term goals, the author proposes implementation of prevention policy focusing on the direct causes of delinquency, followed by initiation of a secondary prevention policy involving criminological research, police coordination, and juvenile protection programs and prevention clubs. Finally, a tertiary prevention policy directed against recidivism would include legal reforms favoring young adult delinquents, legal system reforms, and reforms of the corrections system. Notes are supplied.