Serious and Violent Juvenile Offenders

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the phenomenon of violent juvenile offenders and explores the reasons and theories behind it. It begins by examining the "gang violence" culture which breeds many violent youth. It then examines the interplay between violent and non-violent crime and shows how often those who begin with non-violent move quickly to violent if not correctly guided. The writer then looks at misconceptions about juvenile delinquency and its origins. The writer concludes with stressing the importance of avoiding incarceration, so as not to create career criminals.

From the Paper:

"At the same time, the nature of juvenile crime has changed significantly. The United States has seen a notable increase in gangs and gang violence. This can be blamed in part on the popularization of gangs, which were at one point limited to blighted sections of Los Angeles and other cities. Drug prohibition has provided these groups with a revenue stream; gangs have provided a more dynamic distribution system for scheduled narcotics than traditional organized crime. Unlike many traditional merchants or racketeers, teenagers from lower income families without other job prospects willingly undertake the political risks associated with the sale of these narcotics."

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