NCJ Number
113844
Date Published
1987
Length
98 pages
Annotation
Attitudes toward authority and the components of the criminal justice system and victimization experiences were examined in data from 27 group interviews involving over 200 youth and in indepth interviews with an additional 438 youth, 16-21 years old.
Abstract
These Scottish respondents were from diverse residential, economic, educational, and social backgrounds. Despite this diversity, these youth generally endorsed such institutions of authority as the family, school, and work. They felt there was a need for rules and their enforcement with measured sanctions. A majority of youth evinced little fear of crime, although 27 percent had been assaulted and 21 percent and 19 percent had been victims of theft and sharp practices, respectively. Of crime victims, a little over half were dissatisfied with police response. Almost 80 percent had had some contact with police. Of contacts, 59 percent involved police stops, while only 13 percent involved arrests and charging. Regardless of the nature of the contact, attitudes toward police generally were negative; although 54 percent of those experiencing police social service contact expressed satisfaction. Police behavior and demeanor were the most frequently cited reason for dissatisfaction, and a majority felt police discriminated against the young. Very few respondents had had direct contact with courts or corrections. Attitudes towards judicial personnel generally were positive, and respondents thought courts treated youth fairly. Respondents were most supportive of community-based sanctions. 3 figures, 14 tables, and 31 references.