NCJ Number
181324
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: December 1999 Pages: 29-35
Date Published
December 1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This is an overview of recent developments in the context of young people’s involvement with the law.
Abstract
The article discusses the representation of juvenile crime in the media, alternatives to incarceration of juvenile offenders, research on the causes and prevention of juvenile crime and the relationship between young people’s use of public space and juvenile crime. Contrary to the public perception that young people are generally delinquent and that many are involved in violent or antisocial crime, most juvenile offenses are minor in nature and few young offenders become serious or repeat offenders. Low- or zero-tolerance policies in dealing with juvenile crime may be counterproductive. Juveniles formally charged and prosecuted have been much more likely to re-offend than juveniles who were not formally charged. Once young persons have been publicly named criminals through formal prosecution, they may be encouraged to commit further offenses by way of retaliation against the community or because they believe they are, in fact, criminals. Enforcement of a curfew may significantly interfere with young people’s rights and freedoms, and has a considerable negative impact on cinemas, cafes and other businesses that rely on the patronage of young people. The article suggests venues, facilities, and activities to improve leisure-time pursuits for young people. References