Assignment:
Readings the following chapter: Dispositional Alternatives and Key Figures in Juvenile Court Proceedings
By now, you have encountered many theories about causes of juvenile delinquency and evolving societal perceptions about young people. The consideration of juveniles as separate could lead to ethical questions.
For example, to say one group based on age is more redeemable than another might lead one to question how one values all members of society. Likewise, the divergent treatment of different groups that commit the same crime but less frequently could be viewed differently by those who endure harsher treatment. In this Discussion, you engage with the complexity of juvenile justice by examining ethical considerations in the juvenile justice system.
Analyze ethical considerations related to contemporary juvenile justice issues by responding to one of the following questions:
1. How necessary is a separate juvenile justice system?
2. To what degree does the juvenile justice system perpetuate discrimination?
3. Is it ethical to work toward keeping juveniles out of the criminal justice system while not offering adults similar opportunities at rehabilitation?
Case Study
Adam, a 16-year-old student at the local high school, has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement, beginning with a shoplifting arrest. The store in that first arrest dropped the charges, and Adam made restitution for what he had stolen. Within the next year, it became apparent that Adam had a drug problem, as a teacher reported finding drug paraphernalia on his person and his mother revealed finding drugs around the house. Adam was then picked up for possession of a controlled substance. Adam attended outpatient treatment in lieu of being charged, where he revealed that he had been selling small amounts of drugs to some classmates.
He also revealed that his abusive father had left some time ago and that his mother also suffered from drug addiction, often leaving drugs out in the open. After a fight outside a high school football game led to his injuring another student, Adam was sent to various intervention programs to address his drug use and sometimes violent behavior. He rebounded for a time, attending school more regularly and, according to those around him, staying clean. However, in recent months, Adam has fallen in with a crowd of 18- and 19-year-olds who are part of a regional crystal meth operation. Adam arrives before you after having shot and critically wounded a rival drug dealer.
Bolin, R. M., & Applegate, B. K. (2016). Adultification in juvenile corrections: Examining the orientations of juvenile and adult probation and parole officers. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 41(2), 321-339.
For this article, do not read the "Methodology" and "Results" sections from pp. 327-332.
Agnew, R., &Brezina, T. (2017). Juvenile delinquency: Causes and control (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Juvenile Delinquency: Causes and Control, 6th by Agnew, R.; Brezina, T. Copyright 2017 by Oxford University Press. Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Cox, S. M., Allen, J. M., Hanser, R. D., & Conrad, J. J. (2018). Juvenile justice: A guide to theory, policy, and practice (9th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Juvenile Justice: A Guide to Theory, Policy, and Practice, 9th Edition by Cox, S. M., Allen, J. M., &Hanser, R. D. Copyright 2017 by SAGE Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications, Inc via the Copyright Clearance Center.