NCJ Number
187123
Date Published
2001
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an overview of underage drinking as both normative and illegal behavior, examines laws related to the minimum legal drinking age and their implications for the juvenile justice system, and considers intervention strategies and programs to reduce youth alcohol consumption.
Abstract
The first section of the paper examines the prevalence and nature of underage drinking, as well as the frequency of alcohol-related offenses, including liquor law violations, driving under the influence, and other delinquent behavior. The second section reviews the history and enforcement of the minimum legal drinking age, as well as related "zero tolerance" drinking and driving laws and other liquor law violations, and the manner in which these offenses are handled by law enforcement, Alcohol Beverage Control agencies, and courts. The third section examines the evidence that youthful alcohol use and abuse is related to other delinquent and criminal behaviors. The fourth section considers alternative approaches to prevention and intervention with underage drinking (family, school, and community) and possible impacts on delinquent behaviors. The final section identifies unanswered questions and directions for additional research. 136 references and 3 figures