NCJ Number
241958
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 727-750
Date Published
November 2012
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article examines the need for more effective legislative options and justice processing for young adult offenders.
Abstract
This article discusses the need for more effective legislative options and justice processing for young adult offenders due to the drastic change in how juvenile offenders are treated once they become legal adults. The article first examines the justifications for special legal treatment afforded juvenile offenders, focusing on culpability and adjudicative competence. Next the authors discuss the current state of scientific knowledge regarding human development in adolescence and young adulthood. The research suggests that biological changes in the brain continue from adolescence on into young adulthood, indicating that young adults do not suddenly become more adult-like in their actions. The authors also discuss research that has examined offending careers of juvenile and young adult offenders, the reentry problems faced by young adult offenders, and special legal procedures for young adult offenders. Based on the research, the authors conclude that young adult offenders are more similar to juveniles than adults with respect to features such as their executive functioning, impulse control, responsibility, and susceptibility to peer influence, and changes should be made to policies dealing with young adult offenders to reflect these differences. Recommendations for changes to policy are discussed. References