Elizabeth Scott and Laurence Steinberg explore the dramatic changes in the law's conception of young offenders between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twenty-first. At the dawn of the juvenile court era, they note, most youths were tried and punished as if they were adults. Early juvenile court reformers argued strongly…

In a study of adolescent offenders in New York State, most reported that they curtail criminal activities at age 16, because they fear being jailed if apprehended as adults. In fact, the belief that juveniles under 16 cannot be severely punished in New York State is not entirely accurate. (Author/GC)

An examination of government reports on penal facilities in the United States, published since 1880, reveals that the rate of incarceration in federal, state, local, and juvenile correctional institutions has increased. Changes in offense distribution are increases in the proportion of persons reported to be incarcerated for robbery and drug…

This document contains several essays on topics of interest to researchers of rehabilitative efforts. The subjects covered include an historical look at chronic delinquents and their treatment programs; a review of West European programs; legal constraints on intervention; a review of evidence concerning biological contributions to criminality and…

Changes in homicide and arrest rates were compared among cohorts born before and after legalization of abortion and those who were unexposed to legalized abortion. It was found that legalized abortion improved the lives of many women as they could avoid unwanted births.

This booklet reports the deliberations of a panel of 37 judges, prosecutors, and researchers who attended a national conference to consider dealing with repeat juvenile offenders. The five conference sessions focus on: (1) Assessing the Problem: Offense and Offender Characteristics; (2) Processing Offenders: An Empirical Review of Current…

The legal concept of juvenile delinquency as administered for the last 150 years began to die with the Gault decision. Delinquency jurisdiction should be removed from juvenile courts and be allowed to revert to criminal courts, where interests which are highly valued in our society can be protected more fully. (Author)

Examines issues posed by cases involving murder of children by children, including the Bulger case in England and the Redergard case in Norway, which, though not typical, articulate how changes in notions of childhood mesh with change in major social institutions. Addresses concerns about pursuit of justice for children and analyzes relationships…

Designed to assist teachers of students in grades 10-12 who wish to use the newspaper as a supplemental tool in law-related education, this guide provides model lessons demonstrating ways in which the daily newspaper can enhance textbook material. Although the guide is based on ongoing law-related education programs in St. Louis Public Schools, it…

The Florida Juvenile Justice Act of 1994 reorganized and redefined the juvenile justice system. The Act fosters innovation in response to juvenile crime, with five levels of restrictiveness. It also provides for benchmarks to evaluate the system and defines the responsibility of the public school system in prevention, education, and community…

This curriculum unit for citizenship education describes the due process of law as specified in the Constitution, interpreted by the courts, and evolved by practical experience. Its purpose is to inform high school students of their rights so that they may participate more effectively in the U.S. governmental system. It is hoped that the unit…

This publication presents the competency-based, common-core criminal justice curriculum developed to respond to a need for a curriculum recognized by Arizona criminal justice agencies, community colleges, and universities. It contains the five courses of the core curriculum--Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Rules…

Two social studies units, one on juvenile delinquency and one on crime and justice, are presented for the ninth grade level. The three-week juvenile delinquency unit focuses on special problems that minors face regarding the law. Students learn the difference between juvenile and adult courts and between status and delinquent offenses. In addition…

An introduction to criminal law, processes, and justice is provided in this high school level text. Content is divided into six chapters, each treating a particular aspect of criminal procedure and the social and political issues surrounding it. Chapter 1 considers the criminal, the effects of crime on its victims, and legislation to aid victims.…

This teacher's guide to the nine week, junior high course "Youth and the Law" provides a conceptual framework around the facts of the student book of the same title (SO 006 833) that deals with broad issues of law and responsibility. The guide helps the teacher convey to students the value of law and helps the student channel his energy,…