The juvenile justice system
This assignment will assess the following course objectives:
- Explain the scope and nature of juvenile delinquency.
- Analyze biological, psychological and sociological theoretical explanations for juvenile crimes.
- Assess the influence of gender, family, and social forces on juvenile behavior.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in preventing crime and rehabilitating offenders.
For this assignment, you will write a case study that analyzes the scope, causes, and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system with respect to a particular type of crime commonly committed by juveniles.
To begin, you must identify a type of crime commonly committed by juveniles. Perform research on the scope of juvenile crime and the types of crimes that juveniles commonly commit (assault, breaking and entering, drug possession, drug sales, robbery, vandalism, larceny, etc.). Identify and analyze five different theories, influences, and/or social forces that are common root causes or contributing factors to juveniles committing the type of crime that you’ve chosen. Provide a well-reasoned evaluation of the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in deterring crime, rehabilitating offenders, and providing relief to the victims of the crime addressed in the case study. Conclude the case study with three recommendations for improving the juvenile justice system.
The case study assignment should contain the following sections:
- Introduction
o Identify a type of crime commonly committed by juveniles and explain why you selected this crime for the assignment. Describe the basic elements of the crime. Explain the scope of juvenile offenders for this type of crime, and identify the impact that this crime has on communities. - Root Causes and Contributing Factors
o Identify and analyze five different theories, influences, and/or social forces that are common root causes or contributing factors to juveniles committing the type of crime that you’ve chosen. - Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Juvenile Justice System
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in deterring crime, rehabilitating offenders, and providing relief to the victims of the juvenile crime addressed in the case study. Discuss recidivism rates of juveniles and factors that contribute to re-offending. - Recommendations for Improvement
o Based on your research and analysis, make three recommendations for improvement in the juvenile justice system. Explain the basis for your recommendations and support them with research and/or data.
Sample Answer
Case Study: Juvenile Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
Type of Crime: Drug Sales
Scope of Juvenile Crime
Drug sales are a common type of crime committed by juveniles. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, in 2021, juveniles accounted for 14% of all drug arrests. The most common drugs sold by juveniles are marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
Causes of Juvenile Crime
There are a number of factors that can contribute to juvenile delinquency, including:
- Biological factors: Some juveniles may be more predisposed to delinquency due to genetic factors or neurological impairments.
- Psychological factors: Juveniles who experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or conduct disorder, are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior.