NCJ Number
80981
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 5 Issue: 2/3 Dated: special issue (1981) Pages: 149-159
Date Published
1981
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The paper explores the behavior and attitudes of Scottish lay volunteers composing the 'children's panels' responsible for decisions concerning alleged juvenile offenses and care and protection cases. It is based on a recent study of the juvenile justice system, employing a variety of methodological approaches.
Abstract
Children's panel members share a common body of values and beliefs (i.e., a belief in family responsibility for delinquency). Such variations as exist are not patterned according to age, sex, or occupational class. Thus, panel members resemble members of political or social movements. However, their relatively high degree of acceptability by their clients is achieved, at least in part, by some departure from strongly held principles in the interests of relieving tension and conflict. Observed weaknesses in panel members' performance have important implications for training and practice, although their achievements have been considerable. Tables and eight references are supplied. (Author summary modified)