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Juvenile Justice: A System at Risk

NCJ Number
167986
Journal
Safeguard News and Views Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 1,4-6,13
Author(s)
G Mertz
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The juvenile justice system is discussed with respect to its history, current policies, reform proposals, and the opinions of residents of a group home for adolescents.
Abstract
The United States has varied over its history between protecting and punishing youth accused of juvenile delinquency. The country has struggled to serve the best interests of the child and the needs of the community concurrently. In the Colonial period rejected the English common-law perception of children as chattel. The Body of Liberties prepared in 1641 extended legally enforceable rights to children and directed parents to maintain, educate, and protect their children. In the early 19th century vagrant and delinquent youth were locked up with adult criminals and misfits who schooled them for future crimes. Therefore, social reformers promoted a policy of rescue and rehabilitation over one of punishment for delinquents. The first juvenile court was established in 1899. Juvenile courts were informal. Challenges to the courts' subjective authority over juveniles began in the 1960's. The courts continued to extend and expand due process rights to juveniles in the 1970's and 1980's. Recent legislation gives prosecutors and juvenile courts increased discretion in imposing the adjust criminal justice system on juveniles accused of committing serious crimes. Both professionals and the public have proposed the abolition of the juvenile court system. Issues of juvenile justice will continue to be debated. Figure and statements from teenagers