Should There Be A Juvenile Justice System? ✓ Solved

Should there be a juvenile justice system or should juveniles

This term you have explored the history and major aspects and influences on the Juvenile justice System. You also learned about rehabilitation, social pressures and prevention. For this week's class discussion, please respond to the following: Should there be a juvenile justice system or should juveniles who commit serious crimes be treated as adults? Explain your position in detail.

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The debate surrounding the necessity of a juvenile justice system often hinges on the question of culpability, rehabilitation potential, and societal interests. Advocates for maintaining a separate juvenile justice system argue that adolescents possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from adults, particularly their underdeveloped decision-making capabilities and a higher potential for reform (Grisso, 2005; Steinberg, 2009). According to developmental psychology, children and adolescents are still undergoing significant cognitive and emotional development, which means they may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions or possess the same moral framework as adults (Farrington et al., 2001). This perspective suggests that young offenders deserve targeted rehabilitative approaches that recognize their developmental status rather than punitive measures typically reserved for adult offenders.

Critics of the juvenile justice system often advocate for treating serious juvenile offenders as adults, positing that violent crimes warrant adult-level accountability regardless of age. They contend that the severity of the crime should dictate the nature of the punishment rather than the offender's age (Krisberg & Austin, 1993). The public safety argument also plays a central role in this discourse; it is believed that removing dangerous juveniles from society is crucial for community protection (Mears, 2003). However, numerous studies indicate that transferring juveniles to adult courts can have detrimental effects on their rehabilitation, often resulting in higher recidivism rates compared to those who remain in juvenile systems (Piquero et al., 2002). Furthermore, adult prisons may expose youths to harmful influences that can exacerbate their criminal behaviors rather than rehabilitate them (Mendel, 2011).

The principles underlying the juvenile justice system emphasize rehabilitation and the consideration of an individual’s capacity for change. Programs designed for young offenders focus on restorative justice, offering opportunities for victims and offenders to engage in dialogue and address the harm caused (Zehr, 2002). This approach aligns with the broader goals of society to promote healing and reintegration rather than retribution. In essence, the juvenile justice system provides an invaluable framework for addressing the complexities of youth crime through a lens of developmental understanding and rehabilitation.

In conclusion, while the emotional response to serious juvenile offenses may lead to calls for treating young offenders as adults, the underlying evidence suggests that a separate juvenile justice system is not only beneficial but necessary. The focus should remain on rehabilitating youths and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to juvenile delinquency, rather than perpetuating cycles of violence through adult punitive measures. As such, there remains a strong case for the existence of a juvenile justice system aimed at fostering growth and change among young offenders.

References

• Farrington, D. P., Hawkins, J. D., & Loeber, R. (2001). The development of delinquency: An overview of the research. Child Delinquency and Juvenile Justice, 12(1), 1-22.
• Grisso, T. (2005). Juveniles’ competencies to stand trial: A comparison of juveniles’ and adults’ capabilities. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 11(3), 507-514.
• Krisberg, B., & Austin, J. (1993). Reinventing juvenile justice. New York: Plenum Press.
• Mears, D. P. (2003). The nature of juvenile crime: A perspective on the public debate. Crime and Justice, 30(1), 1-45.
• Mendel, R. A. (2011). The Importance of Juvenile Justice in the 21st Century. The Future of Children, 21(1), 17-40.
• Piquero, A. R., et al. (2002). The effects of juvenile justice interventions on recidivism among juvenile offenders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 30(4), 285-302.
• Steinberg, L. (2009). Age of Delinquency: Are Adolescents Less Than Adults? Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 38(4), 586-597.
• Zehr, H. (2002). The Little Book of Restorative Justice. Intercourse, PA: Good Books.