NCJ Number
55787
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 13 Issue: 50 Dated: (SUMMER 1978) Pages: 339-348
Date Published
1978
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A CASE STUDY OF AN INNER-CITY HIGH SCHOOL IS USED TO IDENTIFY THE SOCIAL MECHANISMS LEADING TO LACK OF REGARD FOR AUTHORITY AND DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS. IT IS FOUND THAT STUDENTS HAVE LITTLE VOICE IN ADMINISTERING JUSTICE.
Abstract
INTERVIEWS WITH THE PRINCIPAL, TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, AND STUDENTS ARE USED TO DEVELOP A PROFILE OF A TROUBLE-RIDDEN INNER-CITY HIGH SCHOOL IN A LARGE EASTERN METROPOLITAN AREA. ONLY 2 PERCENT OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA CONSIDER THE CITY'S SCHOOLS EXCELLENT WHILE TWO-THIRDS SAID THEY WERE ONLY FAIR OR POOR. IN 1974 THIS SYSTEM REPORTED 79 ROBBERIES, 158 ASSAULTS (INCLUDING 16 SEXUAL ASSAULTS), AND 885 BURGLARIES IN THE SCHOOLS OR ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. DISCIPLINE IS RANKED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM, AND TRUANCY, CLOSELY RELATED TO VANDALISM AND ACADEMIC FAILURE, IS RAMPANT. (IN 1973 IT WAS FOUND THAT 38 PERCENT OF ALL JUVENILES IN THE CITY WHO HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMES COMMITTED THE OFFENSES WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN SCHOOL.) PUNISHMENT IS INCONSISTENT, DEPENDING UPON THE COUNSELOR WHO HANDLES THE CASE. STUDENTS HAVE LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE SCHOOL'S RULES, WHICH ARE MADE ADMINISTRATIVE. THE RESULT IS EITHER A 'BEAT THE SYSTEM' ATTITUDE OR INDIFFERENCE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT STUDENTS WOULD TAKE A GREATER INTEREST IN THEIR SCHOOL AND EXERT MORE PEER PRESSURE ON RULE VIOLATORS IF THEY WERE MORE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH RULEMAKING AND THE RULE ENFORCEMENT. THE IMPACT OF COURT RULINGS ON THE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS OF STUDENTS THREATENED WITH SUSPENSIONS ARE BRIEFLY REVIEWED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT WRITTEN PROCEDURES, GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN HEARINGS, AND GREATER ATTENTION TO DUE PROCESS REQUIREMENTS WOULD LESSEN THE HARM CAUSED BY SUSPENSION AND MAKE IT A MORE EFFECTIVE PUNISHMENT. IT ALSO IS SUGGESTED THAT IF STUDENTS PERCEIVE THEMSELVES AS FUNCTIONING AGENTS OF THEIR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO RESPECT THEM. (GLR)