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Criminal Justice Close-Up: Youth Violence

NCJ Number
176474
Author(s)
P Collins
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video panel discussion, involving a sociology professor and a family court prosecutor, focuses on the factors that contribute to juvenile violence and the justice system's response to it.
Abstract
David Brotherton, a sociology professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Norman Corenthal, a family court prosecutor in New York City, discuss various issues posed by the moderator regarding the nature, causes, and prevention of juvenile delinquency as well as how to prevent it. The first question posed by the moderator regards the definition of juvenile delinquency. Corenthal states that a juvenile delinquent in New York State is any youth between the ages of 7 and 16 who engages in behavior which, if committed by an adult, constitutes a crime. Another question posed regards some of the signs that a persons is at risk for delinquency. Brotherton advises that there are typically signs in school performance, which usually include poor attendance, discipline problems, and poor academic performance. The moderator also questions the panel about the attractiveness of drug dealing for youth in drug-infested neighborhoods. Corenthal notes that current drug laws and the focus of law enforcement efforts mean that many youth in economically and socially disadvantaged neighborhoods end up institutionalized because of drug offenses. He further advises that the institutionalization experience typically reinforces a criminal lifestyle, with some 86 percent of youth recidivating. A discussion of gang violence focuses on the attraction of gangs for youth who have few if any youth groups in their community where positive identities and constructive behaviors are encouraged and respected by peers. Deviance and violence become standard behaviors for gaining acceptance and status in gangs. The panel discussion closes with a question about what one thing the panel members would recommend to improve juvenile justice policy. Corenthal states that making juvenile justice and juvenile delinquency a priority in policymaking and funding is important. Brotherton wants to see a greater emphasis on intensive case management of problem juveniles in the community, with incarceration being a last resort for the small percentage of dangerous juveniles.