Juvenile Justice System

Name

Kaplan University

CJ150: Juvenile Delinquency

Prof:

August 5, 2014

JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Within this paper I will try to briefly discuss the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system. Some contend it is outdated and ineffective. I will include at least three milestones in the evolution of the juvenile justice system, and three or more examples of significance of the historical evolution. Each year, thousands of youths are transferred out of the juvenile court system to be tried in criminal court due to the seriousness of their crimes, so I have researched what factors are considered in this “waiver process”? And what are the potential consequences of this trend, to the child and to society?

Milestone number 1.) “The legal concept of juvenile status, like the concept of childhood itself, is relatively new. The juvenile court system was established in the United States about two hundred years ago, with the first court appearing in Illinois in 1899. Prior to that time, children and youth were seen as miniature adults and were tried and punished as adults.” (Reuters, 2014 art.)

Milestone number 2.) “During the progressive era, which occurred between 1880 and 1920, social conditions in the United States were characterized by large waves of immigration and a dramatic increase in urbanization. As a direct result, hundreds of indigent children wandered the streets, and many became involved in criminal activity. Initially, children who were convicted of crimes were housed with adult criminals.” (Reuters, 2014 art.)

Milestone number 3.) “Social activists, law makers, and other officials soon realized that children institutionalized with adults were learning adult criminal behaviors and were exiting those institutions ready for life careers in criminality. Because of this negative influence, separate juvenile court systems and accompanying correctional institutions were developed.” (Reuters, 2014 art.)

The Department of Juvenile...