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1600s Colonial Period and English Puritan Influence
During this time period in America juvenile justice was influenced by English common law and puritan values. The puritans were strict and believed that children were sinful, implementing harsh discipline to correct behavior. The concept of original sin led to the belief that children were capable of committing crimes and they should be held accountable for their actions. Because the concept of original sin children were accountable for crimes and laws were established to treat them like adults -
Scholar and medical expert influence
The 18Th century changed the thinking of juvenile delinquency by scholars Cesare Beccaria and Jeremy Bentham.Their approaches to crime and punishment focused on reform rather than retribution. Medical experts studied juvenile behavior through psychological theory that lead to the understanding juveniles weren't adults but individuals with developmental needs.This time period started the thinking that juvenile delinquency is more a social issue requiring intervention not punishment. -
1800s/Early 19th Century: Parens Patriae, Reformatory Era and Houses of Refuge
During the early 19Th century “Parens Patriae,” meaning “parent of the nation,” came about as states began to assume responsibility for the well being of children who were neglected or delinquent. This brought on the philosophy of reformatories and refuge designed to rehabilitate than punish juvenile offenders. The institutions provided education and separated juveniles from adult criminals. The reformatory sought to instill discipline through structure with the understanding children can change -
1900s Juvenile Probation
The introduction of probation was in the 20th century as an alternative to incarcerating juveniles. Judges could monitor juveniles in their communities providing support to reduce recidivism. Probation officers would monitor and adjust on a case by case basis to provide adequate intervention. -
Juvenile court Mid 1900
The mid 20th century played an important role in shaping juvenile justice through supreme court cases that established essential rights within the juvenile justice system. -
1966 Kent Vs United States
Morris kent a 16 year old is being investigated for his involvement in numerous crimes, after admitting some involvement the juvenile court waived jurisdiction. Kent appealed the indictment because the juvenile court did not do a full investigation before waiving jurisdiction that is required. U.S court of appeals decided that the juvenile court judge provided no reason for the waiver. This bought on that juveniles have a right to a hearing before being heard in adult court. -
In re Gault (1967)
In re Gault a case for a fifteen year old boy that did not comply with the fourteenth amendment, this era granted juveniles due process like adults including the right to counsel. -
In re Winship 1970
In re winship was the era that decided juveniles are entitled to proof beyond a reasonable doubt before being labeled delinquent. -
McKeiver v. Pennsylvania 1971
Mckeiver V Pennsylvania decided that juveniles were not entitled to jury trials stating that it is not constitutionally required, bringing on the notion that juveniles require special considerations due to their age. -
1980-1990
Rise in juvenile incarcerations, lead to "Get tough laws", mandatory minimum sentencing, -
1990-2000
legal reforms due to the fact that harsher punishment was not a deterrent for youth crime. -
2005-present
Declining juvenile crime rates, many states raised the age in which juveniles could be tried as adults. Understanding juvenile brain development. -
My view on juvenile justice
Juvenile justice today had declined in my opinion with youth being more violent and less afraid of punishment. Disregarding the laws and public safety, juveniles today need harsher punishment and family intervention
Reasons
1. Juveniles are more aggressive in todays society
2. Their respect for law has been disregarded
3. Juveniles in possession of fire arms has increased
4. Mental health intervention has decreased
5. Lack of fathers in the home, and broken homes