NCJ Number
149927
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1994) Pages: 24-41
Date Published
1994
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the juvenile justice system in the United States concludes that it is ineffective and is unlikely to improve; therefore, other countries should not copy any part of this system.
Abstract
The United States emphasizes individual responsibility, individual blame, the individual locus of reform and rehabilitation, and the individual's civil rights and liberties. Thus, people in the United States live in John Wayne's frontier world. This view contrasts greatly with many less developed societies, such as China, in which the group is the basic unit of society. In the United States, citizens are also willing to resort to violence to settle disputes and to use repressive responses to crime, including detention, incarceration, and capital punishment. Both liberals and conservatives became dissatisfied with the justice system starting in the 1960's. The current approach to juveniles is based mainly on deterrence, treatment, or both. Neither approach is effective. A far more promising approach based on the concept of normalization is unlikely to emerge soon. Therefore, other countries should not use the approaches used in the United States. Figures, 10 references, and 8 suggested readings