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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number:	120512

Title:	Teenagers, Prisons and the Courts

Date Published:	1988

Annotation:	Although the British 1982 Criminal Justice Act has resulted in a decline of custody for juveniles aged 14-16, it has not produced a similar decline in custody for young adults aged 17-20.

Abstract:	In 1986, 20,600 offenders aged 17-20 were sent to prison, a number far exceeding the numbers of juveniles sentenced to immediate custody and representing half the total figure for those over 21 years old. The proportion of young adult males receiving immediate custodial sentences has steadily increased over the past 10 years. There is, however, a disturbing disparity in the sentencing of 17-20 year-olds in both Crown courts and magistrates courts in various jurisdictions. Data indicate that neither offense seriousness nor criminal history provide complete explanations for the greater risk of custody for young adults. There is persuasive evidence that this age group receives harsher sentences because sentencers perceive this group as more unruly, disruptive, and criminally oriented than other age groups. Policy should focus on providing noncustodial alternatives for young adults similar to those for juveniles. This would include alternatives akin to intermediate treatment for juveniles and greater use of probation. 3 tables.

Main Term(s):	Juvenile sentencing

Index Term(s):	Sentencing disparity; United Kingdom (UK)

Sponsoring Agency:	Prison Reform Trust London , EC1V 0JR

Corporate Author:	Prison Reform Trust United Kingdom

Page Count:	7

Format:	Document

Type:	Legislation/Policy Analysis

Language:	English

Country:	United Kingdom

Note:	Young Offenders Project Paper 1.



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