Juvenile Justice History: Identify And Discuss The Five Peri
Juvenile Justice Historyidentify And Discuss The Five Periods Of Juven
Juvenile Justice History identify and discuss the five periods of juvenile justice history and which period you think was the most influential to the evolution of the juvenile justice system.
Identify and discuss the five periods of juvenile justice history and which period you think was the most influential to the evolution of the juvenile justice system. Requirements: 2-3 pages double spaced Use at least two reliable sources other than the text (not Wikipedia)
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Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The juvenile justice system has evolved significantly over the centuries, reflecting shifts in societal attitudes towards youth, crime, and rehabilitation. Understanding the historical periods of juvenile justice provides insight into how current practices and policies developed. This paper discusses the five distinct periods of juvenile justice history and evaluates which has been the most influential in shaping today’s juvenile justice system.
The Five Periods of Juvenile Justice History
The history of juvenile justice can be segmented into five key periods: the Penal Period, the Parens Patriae Period, the Juvenile Rights Period, the Crime Control Period, and the Reinvestment Period. Each reflects the prevailing societal attitudes towards juvenile offenders and the methods used for their rehabilitation or punishment.
The Penal Period (1824–1899)
The Penal Period marked the initial approach to juvenile offenders, influenced heavily by the English "child-saving" movement. During this time, children accused of crimes were often processed through adult courts and subjected to punishment akin to adult offenders. The emergence of the first juvenile courts in Chicago in 1899 signaled a shift, emphasizing the need for a separate legal system for juveniles. This era primarily focused on punishment with little regard for rehabilitation.
The Parens Patriae Period (1899–1960s)
The Parens Patriae (meaning "parent of the nation") era established the foundation of the juvenile justice system as a welfare-oriented institution. Juvenile courts aimed to act in the best interest of the child, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. The focus was on family reintegration, and the system viewed juveniles as malleable and capable of reform. This period saw the rise of probation and other social welfare services.
The Juvenile Rights Period (1960s–1980s)
The Juvenile Rights Movement emerged in response to concerns about abuse, arbitrariness, and inequality in juvenile justice. Landmark Supreme Court cases, such as In re Gault (1967), granted juveniles rights similar to adults, including the right to counsel and notice of charges. This era emphasized due process and individual rights, paving the way for more judicial oversight and scrutiny of juvenile proceedings.
The Crime Control Period (1980s–2000s)
During this period, concerns about rising juvenile crime rates led to a shift toward a more punitive approach. Policies favored harsher sentences, mandatory minimums, and increased detention of juvenile offenders. The focus was on public safety and crime control, often at the expense of rehabilitation. This approach reflected changing societal attitudes toward crime and a desire for accountability.
The Reinvestment Period (2000s–present)
The Reinvestment Movement sought to address the criticisms of the Crime Control Period by emphasizing prevention, intervention, and restorative justice. There is greater recognition of the importance of community-based programs, mental health services, and generational impacts. Recent reforms aim to reduce detention and emphasize positive youth development, balancing accountability with support.
Most Influential Period
Among these periods, the Parens Patriae era stands out as the most influential for the evolution of the juvenile justice system. It established the philosophy that juveniles should be treated differently from adult offenders, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This fundamental principle continues to underpin juvenile justice policies today, influencing reforms aimed at balancing accountability with social welfare.
Conclusion
The five periods of juvenile justice history reflect a trajectory from punishment to rehabilitation and, more recently, to a balanced approach incorporating prevention and justice reform. The Parens Patriae period, in particular, laid the groundwork for understanding juveniles as individuals in need of guidance rather than solely punishment. Recognizing these historical contexts helps us appreciate the ongoing efforts to create a just and effective juvenile justice system.
References
- Cohen, I. M. (1974). Juvenile Justice. Harvard University Press.
- Feld, B. C. (1999). Bad Kids: Race and the Transformation of the Juvenile Court. Oxford University Press.
- Gault, In re, 387 U.S. 1 (1967).
- Mears, D. P., & Cochran, J. C. (2015). Juvenile Justice. Sage Publications.
- Price, L. (1989). Justice for Juveniles. Harvard University Press.
- James, N. (2002). Delinquency and Juvenile Justice. Routledge.
- Sprott, J. B., & Casey, P. (2015). Juvenile Court and Its Reforms. Routledge.
- Ainsworth, P., & Day, D. (2008). Juvenile Justice. Routledge.
- Winick, B. J., & Wickersham, C. E. (2004). Juvenile Justice. Anderson Publishing.
- Welch, M. (2012). Juvenile Justice Policy and Practice. Oxford University Press.