NCJ Number
141503
Journal
World and I Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 468-537
Date Published
1990
Length
70 pages
Annotation
Eight essays on juvenile crime and juvenile justice address juvenile crime patterns, female juvenile delinquents, the history of the juvenile justice system, juvenile corrections, habitual juvenile offenders, capital punishment for juveniles, and parental liability for the crimes of their children.
Abstract
An overview of juvenile crime provides a statistical analysis of the extent and degree of youth crime and substantiates the claim that the roots of this phenomenon lie, ultimately, with the breakdown of the family. A discussion of young women and delinquency emphasizes the importance of identifying and focusing on the factors that uniquely influence female juvenile offenders; of particular significance is the high incidence of sexual abuse in the backgrounds of female juvenile offenders. A review and critique of the U.S. juvenile justice system shows how the current juvenile justice system is far different from that originally intended; the author argues that the vision of a rehabilitative system for juveniles must be reclaimed through individualized treatment that is genuinely "in the best interests of the children." An essay on juvenile corrections argues against the simplistic view that large- scale incarceration is needed. The author reasons that if the system is to be effective in reforming youth, it must investigate alternative treatments for young offenders. An essay on the habitual juvenile offender notes the high percentage of crimes committed by a small percentage of juveniles and shows how an uncoordinated system of juvenile justice has been helpless in controlling these juveniles. Two essays argue the pros and cons of the death penalty for juveniles. One essay argues that it is neither the most effective deterrent nor the proper retribution for murders committed by juveniles. Another essay holds that some minors should receive the death penalty for their crimes and that juries must determine who these youths should be. The concluding essay discusses a recent trend that holds parents not only civilly, but also criminally liable for the crimes of their children.