Juvenile Justice System.

Sample Solution

The juvenile justice system has undergone a significant transformation throughout history, reflecting changing views on childhood and delinquency. Here's a breakdown of its evolution:

Early Systems (Pre-19th Century):

• Children were treated as miniature adults and tried in the criminal justice system, facing harsh punishments like prison or even death.
• The concept of childhood innocence wasn't well-established.

The Rise of Juvenile Courts (Late 19th & Early 20th Centuries):

• The philosophy of "parens patriae" (acting as a parent) emerged, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for young offenders

Full Answer Section

• The philosophy of "parens patriae" (acting as a parent) emerged, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for young offenders.
• The first juvenile courts were established in the late 1800s, focusing on treating delinquency and protecting neglected children.
• These courts aimed for informality and confidentiality to avoid stigmatizing juveniles.

• The focus remained on rehabilitation through probation programs and specialized institutions separate from adult prisons.
• This era saw the rise of social workers and juvenile justice professionals.

• Supreme Court cases like In re Gault (1967) established due process rights for juveniles in court proceedings.
• The focus shifted towards ensuring fairness and protecting juveniles' rights.
• The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974 aimed to improve the system and prevent delinquency.

• A perceived rise in juvenile crime led to a shift towards harsher punishments.
• Laws allowed easier transfer of juveniles to adult court and increased use of detention centers.

• Concerns arose about the effectiveness and fairness of the "get tough" approach.
• The focus is returning to rehabilitation and reducing racial disparities in the system.
• The JJDPA was reauthorized in 2018, emphasizing prevention and youth development.