NCJ Number: 90600
Title: Juvenile Delinquency and the Law
Author(s): J Junger-Tas
Date Published: 1983
Page Count: 25
Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice/
Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
Document: PDF
Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
Language: English
Country: Netherlands
Annotation: This report summarizes findings from a survey of the functioning and philosophy of juvenile justice systems in 57 countries (24 European countries, 11 South American countries, 8 Asian countries, 6 Arab countries, 7 African countries, and the United States).
Abstract: The survey focused on procedural issues, recent proposals or changes in the law, attitudes toward juvenile delinquency, successful delinquency programs, and the reactions of juveniles to measures and sanctions. Procedural issues dealt with (1) age at which a minor may be brought before a criminal court, (2) circumstances under which a minor may be imprisoned, and (3) the opportunities a juvenile has to make proposals in court. The law changes examined bear upon procedural reforms and changes in measures and sanctions. The attitudes toward juvenile delinquency were identified for the public, the police, and the courts. Although nearly all the responding countries accept a presumption of irresponsibility under a certain age, they differ considerably on specified age limits, reflecting differing perspectives of childhood and responsibility. In most of the countries, a minor may be imprisoned based on the following criteria: the refutation of the presumption of irresponsibility, severity of the crime, dangerousness, and recidivism. The juvenile judge is granted significant discretionary powers in all the countries. Some of the changes reported show trends from the more traditional, often agricultural society to a more industrialized and urbanized society. Informal social controls manifested in families and the community are being transferred to the state. Many countries are experimenting with the community service order and intermediate treatment designs, but it is too early to determine their effectiveness.
Index Term(s): Country-by-country surveys; Foreign courts; Juvenile justice reform; Juvenile justice system; Juvenile processing
Note: Congress of the International Association of Juvenile and Family Court Magistrates, Amsterdam, August 2-7, 1982
To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=90600
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