This paper focuses on two specific juvenile rehabilitation and probation programs and the manner in which they treat and deal with minors convicted of crimes.
Abstract This paper delves into the similarities and differences in terms of services and treatments offered at the Lehigh County Juvenile Probation Department and the Cook County Juvenile Probation Department. This paper examines the manner in which both programs hold the convicted minors responsible for their actions. This paper discusses each program's style and method for developing and instilling positive life skills in which the minor in question is then able to become a productive member of society. This paper details the mission statement of each program and the manner in which these goals are obtained. The writer contends and explains why the current treatments and programs offered at both facilities need to be altered and improved upon to keep up with the constantly changing face of juvenile crimes in America.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Lehigh County Juvenile Probation Department
The Cook County Juvenile Probation Department
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "This juvenile probation department of Cook County, made up of the city of Chicago and its outlying metropolitan areas, is very similar to that of Lehigh County in many ways, especially in relation to aiming for a "balanced and restorative justice" and to hold offenders accountable for their illegal conduct which, it is hoped, will help them "to develop positive life skills to enable them to become productive members of the community." But unlike Lehigh County, Cook County, on its website, provides a mission statement consisting of the aim to recognize the welfare of all children and their families based on public safety; it also is committed to "providing the guidance, structure and services needed by every child under its supervision." Thus, both of these juvenile probation departments have very similar goals, namely, to protect society from repeat offenders while providing equal and fair justice to the offenders, due to their age and, at times, negative social positions."
Abstract This paper focuses on the juvenile criminal justice system and the issue of juvenile transfers to adult courts and adult jails in the United States. It discusses the current Illinois legislation regarding juvenile transfers and compares that with current juvenile transfer activity in California, Ohio and Texas. It further explores the problems associated with their practice, and the groups that are currently attempting to change the laws regarding juvenile transfers.
From the Paper "The juvenile justice system was created in 1899 with the intent of instilling laws that were applicable to juvenile crime, yet, protected juveniles from the harsher realities of the adult criminal justice system. This system was considered fair in our society because while juveniles did commit crimes, their criminal activity was considered to be less frequent, and less violent than that of adults (Males & Macallair 1). Therefore, instituting a juvenile justice system that took these factors into consideration was a logical maneuver in the courts and jails that would provide for juveniles that committed more serious crimes to be tried as adults at the discretion of the judiciary. From the onset of the juvenile justice system there have been instances of transfers of minors to adult courts when judges have deemed it necessary based upon the offense, and when juveniles have requested to be treated as adults."
Abstract This paper looks at the juvenile correctional system and how it works. It examines how and why juveniles get tried as adults. It also looks at the widespread occurrence of mental health problems among those in juvenile correctional facilities. Recommendations are drawn from the literature as to what needs to be done to address the problems in the system.
From the Paper "In recent years there has been a dilemma in the criminal justice system as to whether to treat juvenile offenders as adults and at what age to do this. The first juvenile court, a uniquely American institution, was established in ..."
Abstract The paper examines the impact of juvenile transfer to adult court processes and the effect of the laws. This includes an increase in the number of juveniles sentenced in adult courts, placing a burden on the already overcrowded adult court system. In addition, the paper explains that this places juveniles at risk for harsher and more punitive punishment than they would have received in a juvenile court.
From the Paper "A number of legal and extra legal factors have combined to play a significant role in the decision to transfer a serious juvenile offender to criminal court jurisdiction. (Poulos Orchowsky) In the view of Kurlychek and Johnson, some states and the District of Columbia expanded the provisions by which juveniles could be transferred to adult court during the ?'s."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of social disorganization, and then applies the theory to juvenile crime in general. It further discusses juvenile crime in the United States, and then juvenile crime as it exists in San Francisco, California. The paper then relates this information to policy changes in the juvenile criminal justice system, and makes proposals for city-wide changes.
From the Paper "The social disorganization theory contends that urban areas are more susceptible to juvenile crime because there is a lower sense of moral values within the community (Shelley 26). In rural areas there is great attention paid to the community and a child's involvement in the organizations it supports. Furthermore, these communities ensure that the organizations created for youth have built in morals and values that support those of the family, and therefore, have a positively profound affect on youth (Shelley 26). However, in poorer urban areas organizations for youth are often not funded, and when they are, there are societal tensions that infiltrate these organizations, often splitting the boundaries of who may belong with regard to race, gender, and social status. Furthermore, urban organizations that exist are not based upon family morals that are universal to all cultures within an urban setting. "
Abstract This paper examines the death penalty as it pertains to juveniles and discusses the importance of the issue. The writer cites several recent juvenile death penalty cases heard by the Supreme Court and provides analysis into their issues. The writer then provides a well reasoned conclusion and proposal regarding the death penalty as it pertains to juveniles.
Outline:
Introduction
The Juvenile Death Penalty Debate
Pros and Cons
Cons
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "In recent years Americans have watched in horror as teenagers committed more grisly crimes than ever before. Shooting sprees at high schools, acting as a sniper on the freeway and murdering neighbors for the sake of a few dollars worth of jewelry are just some of the juvenile cases that have received national attention. The American judicial system is faced with the task of punishing the teenagers who commit these crimes, while at the same time trying to remain fair to the United States Constitution. Over the past few decades, juvenile defendants convicted of various violent crimes have been sentenced to death. This has created heated debates in many sectors of the public as well as the legal profession. Should juveniles be put to death? That is the question that has haunted society for decades. The Supreme Court recently ruled that using the death penalty for a juvenile is no different than using it on a mentally retarded individual and should be considered cruel and inhumane punishment. Though the decision has been made and juveniles convicted of previously capital punishment cases will now serve life in prison the debate rages on about the correctness of that decision. Some believe that juveniles do not have the mental or emotional capability to understand the seriousness or the consequence of their crime. "
Abstract This paper consists of two essays, the first on the arguments for and against keeping the juvenile justice system, and the second on the effects of religion and family on juvenile crime. The first essay looks at how juveniles might be treated in adult courts.
From the Paper "Several recommendations have been made for changes in the juvenile courts without abolishing them altogether. Juveniles are protected by International Law from execution and it has become jus cogens ..."
Abstract The paper examines how, in the United States, juveniles may be tried as adults when a variety of factors meet with state or federal laws and when the criminal offense is deemed appropriate. The paper explores how, historically, juveniles were tried as adults in a criminal justice system that did not view a difference in the criminal actions of adults or children. In later years however the United States began to accept the belief that children should not be incarcerated with or treated as adults because as children they deserved a chance at rehabilitation that would address their particular juvenile problems and ensure that their reentry into society was successful.
From the Paper "However, by the 1980s, as gang activities and youth crime began to escalate, it became the opinion of many within society that juvenile offenders had to be treated with a firm approach that would lead to youth crime deterrence over the long term."
Abstract This paper discusses the criminal justice approach to juvenile crime and correction. It specifically discusses the issue of juveniles being tried in adult courts and the pros and cons of this step. The paper also discusses the changes in the ways that juveniles have been tried over time.
From the Paper "The Approach to Juvenile Crime: Arguments and Alternatives The issue of juveniles being tried in adult courts has become vigorously debated in the past few decades. The juvenile justice system was established to prevent juveniles from experiencing adult punishments, a system that is now a useless inclusion in the justice system in the opinion of many. This is evident as there are those in society who believe that juveniles that commit crime should not receive special treatment due to age, but should be equally prosecuted with their adult counterparts to deter the rising youth crime rate in the nation - a crime rate that is accented by the occurrence of violent crimes by youth at a growing rate. Others contend that trying juveniles in adult courts has become too common in society, and results in America's youth being aggressively sentenced, abused by adults, and influenced by criminal minds in state prison systems."
Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine whether trying juveniles as adults would be a more effective deterrent to crime. The theories of those who agree with this treatment and those who oppose it are discussed. The paper also looks at the idea of those who have committed violent crimes should be treated as adults. The paper concludes that treating juvenile offenders as adults will not prevent juvenile criminal activity.
From the Paper "With the media picking up on a seeming rash of juvenile violence and crime, calls for increased attention specifically in the form of harsher punishments have been made. Some even suggest that we do away with the juvenile courts system altogether and simply try juveniles as adults at the very least when they commit violent crimes. This has resonating with some people, especially those who feel that the current system is not acting to prevent juvenile criminal activity. Such proponents argue that we should punish those who commit violent crimes equally, regardless of their age (West 2). The purpose of this study is to examine several critical voices on the subject, some who are in favor of trying juveniles as adults and some who are not. This is a complex issue that cuts to the heart of the justice system; however, it will become evident that treating juvenile offenders as adults is neither a good idea nor an effective deterrent to crime."
Abstract This paper notes that juvenile offenders have long been treated differently by the criminal justice system, but this has been changing as community attitudes have shifted so that more and more juveniles are tried as adults. This trend largely reflects an increasing fear of crime and a belief in the power of punishment over rehabilitation. Trying juveniles as adults is not the best approach to take.
From the Paper "The American juvenile-justice system was designed a century ago to reform children found guilty of minor crimes, but more and more, the system has to cope with more violent crimes committed by younger people. As Gil Garcetti, then District Attorney of Los Angeles, noted..."
Abstract This paper discusses how in certain areas juvenile delinquency is a problem that seems to be out of control. The only way to solve the problem of juvenile delinquency is to identify the potential causes. According to the paper, if we fail to determine the causes accurately then we can do much damage to the child. The issue of juvenile delinquency is complicated because there are numerous potential causes.
Abstract The paper compares and contrasts the juvenile justice systems of the United States and Japan. The paper shows how each juvenile justice system was established and how each system handles the processing of juveniles through the court system.
From the Paper "It abolished the minimum age of detainment at a Juvenile Training School. These schools are reform schools and are for juveniles under the age of 14 that have no criminal liability. They have a strong emphasis on education and vocational training. Upon leaving a Training School the juvenile is placed on probation. In the United States, in Dane County, Wisconsin, Family Court handles all petitions filed against juveniles."
Tags: probation, officer, rehabilitating, juveniles, detention, facility, primary, care
Abstract This paper presents the argument that juveniles who commit violent crimes should be tried as adults. The writer uses several studies as well as other sources to illustrate the reason that juveniles who commit certain crimes should be tried as if they were adults.
From the Paper "Each year we are stunned to learn that a juvenile has committed a violent crime. They may have killed the little girl who lived next door, or they may have taken a gun into a school and murdered their teacher. They may have raped a child who they were supposed to be babysitting. The crimes change but the fact remains that every once in awhile juveniles commit heinous crimes."
Abstract This paper looks at the way in which juvenile offenders were punished as harshly as adult offenders and were subject to corporal and capital punishment, prior to the 1800's. It discusses how the current American system of juvenile justice is based on hundreds of years of legal traditions, some of which are discussed in brief in this paper.
From the Paper "In the early 1800's, people were starting to see children in a different light, as persons at a unique level of human development rather than little adults; with equal moral and cognitive capacities. Several alternatives to imprisonment came about during the 1800's. The cottage system eliminated large congregate living situations and placed smaller cottage-like buildings together. The placing out system placed adolescents from urban slum areas with families in rural areas to teach them how to work and learn under the guidance of a family. Upper class, troubled adolescents were sent to military school to learn discipline. In the late 1800's and early 1900's, juvenile and family courts were established to separate juvenile delinquents from adult criminals. The child-saving movement was started at this time and the juvenile system was changed to include juvenile, courts, probation, child guidance clinics, truant officers and reformatories."
