NCJ Number
165785
Editor(s)
K Melville
Date Published
1994
Length
32 pages
Annotation
These five papers examine juvenile violence with respect to its nature, extent, causes, and alternative solutions.
Abstract
The first paper notes that serious offenses committed by juveniles have increased sharply in recent years, and a growing sense of urgency exists about dealing with the problem. However, no consensus exists about why juvenile crime has become worse or the most promising way to address it. The next three papers present different views of the underlying problem and ways to deal with it. One asserts that juvenile violence has become more serious because punishments have not been sufficiently severe. It recommends increased law enforcement, trying serious juvenile offenders as adults, and the imposition of appropriately severe sentences. The second paper regards the erosion of moral standards as the main cause of juvenile delinquency. It argues that families and communities must reclaim their moral authority to enable government to deter juvenile crime. The third paper argues that juvenile delinquency is a social problem and recommends increased resources for preventive efforts for high-risk youth. The final paper notes that general agreement exists regarding the need to take guns from children and youth but not on other approaches. Photographs, figures, suggested readings, critiques of each approach, summary chart with questions, and ballots for completion before and after reading the document or taking part in a forum on the issue