NCJ Number
241741
Date Published
2008
Length
384 pages
Annotation
This book presents a comprehensive and pragmatic model for juvenile justice grounded in psychological science, which shows that adolescence is a distinctive state of cognitive and emotional development.
Abstract
Leading scholars in law and adolescent development, Elizabeth S. Scott and Laurence Steinberg, offer a comprehensive and pragmatic way forward for the juvenile justice system, proposing that juvenile justice should be grounded in the psychological science that shows that adolescence is a distinctive state of cognitive and emotional development - they are not children, but they are also not adults. The question is "what should we do with teenagers who commit crimes?" and "are they children whose offenses are the result of immaturity and circumstances, or are they in fact criminals?" The authors argue that the justice system's mantra of "adult time for adult crime" over the last twenty years is flawed. It not only puts a tremendous strain on State and local budgets, but also, the evidence suggests that it ultimately increases crime. The authors outline a developmental model of juvenile justice that recognizes adolescent development and immaturity, but also holds them accountable for their actions. They discuss developmentally based laws and policies would make it possible for young people who have committed crimes to grow into responsible adults, rather than career criminals, and would lighten the present burden on the legal and prison systems. They argue that this model would better serve the interests of justice, and the lives of juveniles, than the harsh and ineffective policies of the last generation.