The Role of Juvenile Courts
The separation of the juvenile court from the adult court for hearing juvenile delinquency cases is a major social justice statement. The textbook lays out five critical thinking questions at the end of Chapter 6. Select one for your initial post to the discussion:
- Should the philosophy of the juvenile court system be rehabilitative or punitive? Defend your position.
- Has Child Protective Services “run its course” like some critics suggest? Or should it be revamped? How would you revamp such a service?
- Teen courts have become a popular option for diverting youth. Is there a downside in involving the youth’s peers in the process? Support your case.
- Although most states have retained their transfer laws, the rate of transfers to adult court has remained stable. Why do you think this is the case?
- Do you agree with the U.S. Supreme Court in regards to the Roper v. Simmons and Miller v. Alabamacases? Why are or why not?
Should the philosophy of the juvenile court system be rehabilitative or punitive?
Previously, the U.S had a single justice system. In this case, child offenders were treated in a similar with adults. During this period, young kids aged 7 years were usually put to death for crimes committed. However, things changed when both the government and society decided to take kids’ welfare seriously. This led to changes in the juvenile justice system. The assumption here was that kids were less mature, thus less capable of intent to commit a crime. (Davis, 2011) Their limited capacity led the belief that kids could…………..
