NCJ Number
47254
Journal
New York University Law Review Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1977) Pages: 1015-1032
Date Published
1977
Length
18 pages
Annotation
PROPOSED STANDARDS FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEMS ARE DISCUSSED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION THAT PRODUCED THE STANDARDS.
Abstract
THE JOINT INSTITUTE OF JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION AND AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION COMMISSION ON JUVENILE JUSTICE STANDARDS PRODUCED A 23-VOLUME SET OF STANDARDS AND COMMENTARY DEALING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE ISSUES. THE COMMISSION'S APPROACH TO DEVELOPING THE STANDARDS IS REVIEWED, AND THE NATURE OF THE RIGHTS OF MINORS IS DISCUSSED. THE STANDARDS ARE SAID TO REFLECT THE RECOGNITION THAT THE CHILD MUST HAVE SUPPORT IN THE GRADUAL PASSAGE TOWARD ADULTHOOD BY GRANTING JUVENILES THE FULL RIGHTS OF ADULTS WHEN THEIR INTERESTS ARE JEOPARDIZED BY STATE ACTION, AND BY PROVIDING THEM WITH SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURE WHEN NECESSARY. THE STANDARDS RECOGNIZE YOUTHS' NEED TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT STYLES OF LIVING AND MODES OF EXPRESSION BY REQUIRING THE STATE TO JUSTIFY COERCIVE INTERVENTION IN THE LIVES OF MINORS. THE STANDARDS ARE CHARACTERIZED AS PRAGMATIC, COMPREHENSIVE, FLEXIBLE, AND SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF CHILDREN. THE BASIC AIM OF THE STANDARDS IS TO STRIKE A BALANCE AMONG THE FORCES THAT MOLD A CHILD'S LIFE. (LKM)