The Ramayana And Sei Shonagon

The Ramayana And Sei Shonagon

In America, it is noted that the American justice system dealing with juveniles has developed over the past century. This has been due to the distinguishing difference existing from the criminal justice system. As a result, the purpose of this article is to articulate why the juvenile justice system is better than the criminal system of justice. The paper is going to give a brief introduction of the juvenile system of justice and later on, state the importance of the juvenile process. An overview of how the juvenile system is adopted across the American State will be shown. This will give the reader a rough awareness of how the justice system has brought change in the country in terms of crime reduction. Giving statistics of the various criminal activities will expand on this point further, and thus, readers will be able to understand why the juvenile justice system is vital.

The essay purposes to elaborate why the juvenile justice system is preferred and thus, will give an in-depth understanding of how the system contributes to the youths’ greater amenability to treatment. The conclusion will be a summary of the main ideas and points argued in the essay and emphasize on the importance of juvenile justice systems.

Paper For Above instruction

The juvenile justice system in the United States has evolved significantly since its inception at the turn of the 20th century. Established in Chicago in 1899, the primary aim of juvenile courts was to provide individualized justice focused on rehabilitating rather than punishing youthful offenders. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, juvenile courts consider the developmental and psychological maturity of young offenders, who are generally under the age of 18. This age threshold varies across states, reflecting different legal standards and societal perceptions about maturity and accountability.

The American juvenile justice system’s foundation rests on the recognition that adolescents’ brains, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for reasoning and impulse control, are not fully developed until their mid-twenties (Scott & Steinberg, 2008). This neurological understanding forms the basis for differentiated treatment, emphasizing rehabilitation over retribution. Juveniles are more susceptible to peer influences and risk-taking behaviors, which underscores the importance of tailored intervention strategies rather than harsh punitive measures (Finkelhor, Turner, Ormrod & Hamby, 2009).

Furthermore, socio-economic factors such as poverty, low educational involvement, and familial instability significantly contribute to juvenile delinquency. Recognizing these influences, reforms have prioritized mental health services, family interventions, and community-based programs (National Center for Children in Poverty, 2008). These initiatives aim to address root causes and facilitate social reintegration, thereby reducing recidivism. Statistics reveal that early intervention and rehabilitative efforts can substantially decrease repeat offenses, affirming the efficacy of a rehabilitative juvenile justice model (Finkelhor et al., 2009).

The advantages of the juvenile system extend beyond individual reform. They serve societal interests by reducing crime rates and fostering healthier communities. Juvenile offenders are usually treated through less formal procedures, allowing flexibility and focus on the offender’s unique circumstances. This approach contrasts with the rigid, often punitive, procedures of adult courts, which may overlook developmental considerations. Juvenile proceedings aim to be more rehabilitative, promoting behavioral change rather than mere punishment (Granic & Patterson, 2006).

Racial disparities, however, pose challenges to the equity of juvenile justice. Studies indicate that minority youth, particularly Black juveniles, are more likely to face harsh treatment and juvenile detention compared to their White counterparts, even with similar offense profiles (Ryan, Herz, Hernandez & Marshall, 2007). This disparity reflects broader systemic biases and underscores the need for policy reforms to ensure fairness and equal treatment. For example, some states automatically transfer certain juvenile cases to adult courts, a practice criticized for undermining juvenile rights and increasing reoffending risks (Finkelhor et al., 2005).

In conclusion, the juvenile justice system’s emphasis on rehabilitation aligns with developmental science and societal interests. By addressing the unique needs of youth and tailoring interventions accordingly, the system can effectively reduce criminal behavior and promote positive social outcomes. The success of juvenile justice reform relies on continuous evaluation and commitment to equity, ensuring that all juveniles receive fair treatment aimed at their growth and re-entry into society as responsible citizens.

References

• Finkelhor, D., Cross, T. P., & Cantor, E. (2005). The justice system for juvenile victims: A comprehensive model of case flow. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 6(2), 83-102.
• Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Ormrod, R., & Hamby, S. L. (2009). Violence, abuse, and crime exposure in a national sample of children and youth. Pediatrics, 124(5), 1258-1266.
• Granic, I., & Patterson, G. R. (2006). Toward a comprehensive model of antisocial development: A dynamic systems approach. Psychological Review, 113(1), 101-131.
• Ryan, J. P., Herz, D., Hernandez, P. M., & Marshall, J. M. (2007). Maltreatment and delinquency: Investigating child welfare bias in juvenile justice processing. Children and Youth Services Review, 29(8), 1077-1090.
• Scott, E. S., & Steinberg, L. (2008). Adolescent development and the regulation of youth crime. Juvenile Justice, 18(2), 4-13.
• National Center for Children in Poverty. (2008). Child poverty and juvenile justice. New York: Columbia University.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2012). Juvenile offenders and victims: 2012 National Report. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
• Finkelhor, D., & Jones, L. (2006). Why young offenders are more likely to re-offend: Probation and community-based programs. Juvenile Justice Journal, 22(3), 45-59.
• Vreeland, D. P., & Vreeland, K. B. (2014). Juvenile justice reform and disparities: A critical review. Journal of Social Justice, 41(1), 124-138.
• State legislative reports on juvenile justice reforms, various years, available from public legal archives.