Juvenile Delinquency

Juvenile Delinquency

      Amy Cowan

      CRJ 422

      Prof. Angela Hermosillo

      November 15, 2010

      Juvenile Delinquency

      Introduction
      Can we as a society truly reduce the rate of juvenile crime and violence? “Throughout all time there has been delinquency. It may not have had the delinquency label, but it still existed. Juvenile crime is mentioned as far back as ancient Sumeria and Hammurabi, where laws concerning juvenile offenders first appear in written form” (Rice, 1995, ¶ 3). To this day juvenile delinquency is looked upon as one of the most imperative concerns in crime. A number of studies have been performed concerning delinquency. Countless developments and strategies have presented the system with numerous possibilities to contain and correct this issue. Still, juvenile delinquency continues to be a problem needing serious corrective action. This paper will focus on the history and future of juvenile delinquency, as well as number of the theories believed to be its cause. A summary of a delinquent’s rights will also be included. Sentencing practices and strategies utilized to diminish the problem of delinquency are also a focus in this paper.
      History of Delinquency
      “A grasp of the current conflict surrounding the responsibility and direction of the juvenile justice system becomes more obtainable when one takes into consideration how the system has progressed since its inception” (Einstein Law, 2008, ¶1). Up until the 1700s; children were viewed much differently than today’s youth.   They were not given any special treatment or appreciation. During this time an individual’s choice of discipline would now be considered abuse. People in this time had a much different view concerning life. They believed times were difficult, and people needed to be harsh in order to survive. Individuals did not have the luxuries of today’s world (Rice, 1995). “For example, the medical practices of that day were primitive... [continues]

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