Whitehead: Juvenile Justice, 7th Edition

Case Studies with Questions and Answers

Chapter 14: Future Directions in Juvenile Justice

Case Study 1

You are a legislator in Mountain State. The legislature is considering a total revision of the Juvenile Code. The old Code emphasized rehabilitation and the best interests of the child. Some want to simply continue that philosophy, but some have read suggestions (see the first section of the chapter) about changes for juvenile court. Part of the debate concerns the extent of juvenile delinquency and how to prevent and control delinquency.

Questions

  1. Frame the debate. Is juvenile delinquency increasing or not? Refer back to Chapter 1.

    2. Correct Answer

    Chapter 1 gives a balanced discussion of juvenile delinquency. The chapter concludes that delinquency has actually been decreasing in recent years. Thus, there is no need for paranoia. Legislators should debate reasonable proposals in light of this knowledge.


  2. Discuss three major proposals for the future of juvenile justice.

    3. Correct Answer

    One suggestion is to rehabilitate traditional juvenile court; this means using effective rehabilitation principles and programs. Another suggestion is to make juvenile court more like criminal court in order to provide due process safeguards for juveniles. Another suggestion is to turn the court into a restorative justice program. There are additional suggestions in the chapter as well.


  3. What is your preferred direction for the future of juvenile court? Which proposal do you favor? Or do you think something other than one of the proposals in the chapter is better? Discuss.

    4. Correct Answer

    The correct answer would be a reasoned discussion of options for the future of juvenile court and an explanation of why one option is best.



Case Study 2

Alexander lives with his mother who works and also receives food stamps. He recently dropped out of high school; he has a learning disability and did not like school. The school he attended was overcrowded and has a low graduation rate compared to most schools in the district. In addition, unemployment is high in Alexander's community.

Questions

  1. Discuss three broader issues that affect Alexander's chances for a successful life and for avoiding involvement in delinquency or crime.

    2. Correct Answer

    This case study describes a youth growing up in a problem-ridden community. So one issue is the need to rebuild community. It is likely that race is also an issue as well as possible discrimination. The scenario also reflects the need to increase support for struggling families.


  2. Does re-introducing the spiritual dimension in corrections relate to Alexander and his family in any way?

    3. Correct Answer

    The spiritual dimension affects everyone. Alexander and his mother, like all of us, seek meaning in life. However, the most pressing needs in this scenario are economic and family-related.


  3. What is the primary concern in this case?

    4. Correct Answer

    Protection of the child is the primary concern.


Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.