Assignment Problem:
First, imagine that you are taking on one of the following roles. If possible, take on a role that you have not had in your profession: Law enforcement
Next, read the case study found in the Criminal Justice Case Studies: Juvenile Delinquency and Justice document.
Aspects of the Assignment require you to apply your learning to this 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.
- Recommend the offender in the scenario to either family and juvenile court or adult criminal court based on a particular perspective, such as a prosecutor, a judge, or a social worker.
- Recommend a sentence for the offender and explain the rationale.
- As part of your recommendation, propose a re-entry strategy for the offender.
- Support your recommendations with evidence from the Learning Resources and the case study.