Deck 15: Juvenile Justice

Question 1

Describe the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system in the Western world, and list the six categories of children recognized by the laws of most states.

Answer 1

The following are the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system in the Western world :
• In past, children who commit crimes will expect no privileged treatment because of their age factor. There was a modest difference between delinquency and criminality.
• Earlier, American solutions were sturdily influenced by churches and the Ten Commandments.
• By the end of the eighteenth century, when enlightenment took place, people started revisiting the position of children in community.
• There were dramatic changes in America by the nineteenth century, and several children had to be abandoned and victimized.
• These changes pressurized government officials to consider how important it is to help children in the community. The major pressure was from the Children Savers Movement.
• When the requirement of children was more largely recognized, State started to accept legislation requiring separate hearing for juveniles.
• In the year 1899, the I. Juvenile law was passed, forming a juvenile system separate from the adult classification and serving as a model throughout the nation.
The following are the six categories of children recognized by the laws of most state :
• Delinquent : Who violate the criminal law
• Undisciplined : Those who are recognized to be beyond parental control
• Dependent : Those who are without parents to care for them
• Neglected : Those who are not receiving proper care from their parents
• Abused : Those who suffered because of physical abuse at the hands of their custodian
• Status offender : Who violate laws written only for children

Question 2

This chapter pointed out that substantial changes are now afoot in the area of juvenile justice. What are some of those changes? With which of those changes do you agree? Are there any with which you don't agree? Explain.

Answer 2

The following are the changes in the juvenile justice system :
The significant change in the juvenile justice method is increasing choice to treat juvenile offenders more ruthlessly.
In the past, the objective of the juvenile justice system was to rehabilitate youthful offenders. Present concern regarding juvenile participation in serious crimes has positive legislators to form laws increasing punishment for juveniles.
Several states have approved legislation that will allow the shift of juveniles to adult court. The significant focus on rehabilitating youth appears to reduce in importance. The other area of concern is the increase of juvenile crimes every day. Juvenile crime is an important social issue, and it is vital to invest time and energy in considering different social problems, and it is important to invest time and energy into considering alternative technique of dealing with juvenile offenders.
There are certain values in punishing these offenders more strictly, but it is evenly more important to believe how legitimate opportunity will provide juvenile to improve.

Question 3

What was the impact of the Gault decision on juvenile justice in America? What adult rights were not accorded to juveniles by Gault ? What other U.S. Supreme Court decisions have had a substantial impact on the handling of juvenile offenders by the justice system?

Answer 3

The following are the impact of the Gault decision on juvenile justice in America :
As an effect of the court's ruling in Gault, juveniles are now guaranteed several similar procedural rights as adults. The adult rights do not include in the decision making were the right of appeal and the right to transcript of any legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court case decisions that have considerable impact on the handling of a juvenile offender by the justice system are as follows :
• W.P, M.K vs, P.Y
• B.R v. J.N,
• S.C vs, M.R
• I.L vs, M.T

Question 4

This chapter discussed California's Proposition 21, which voters in that state passed in 2000. What was the intent of Proposition 21? Were the changes that it brought about needed, or do you think that the state would have been better off if the proposition had failed to pass? Why?

Question 5

What are the major similarities and differences between the juvenile and adult justice systems?

Question 6

What is meant by the "adultification" of the juvenile justice system? Is adultification a good idea? Explain.

Question 7

In your opinion, should juveniles continue to receive what many regard as preferential treatment from the courts? Why or why not?