Juvenile Justice (Research Paper Sample)

Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Course Date Juvenile Justice: Effectiveness of the US Juvenile Justice System Introduction The juvenile system was introduced in the 19th century to cater to crimes and offenses committed by juveniles. These are offenders aged 18 years and below. Until the 19th century, children as young as 7 years were tried and sentenced by courts but today, the juvenile system reduces and fights crimes committed by offenders under 18 years (National Research Council, 3). The adult criminal justice system is used to try and sentence adults aged 18 years and above – under this system, adults are seen as mature individuals capable of making their decisions (Smith 181). Juveniles, on the other side, are usually seen as forces of nature who cannot make their own decisions and are not independent moral agents until they reach 18 years (Smith 181). Hence the use of the juvenile justice system. In recent years, however, there have been debates about whether this system is effective or whether these young offenders should be transferred to the adult system. Accordingly, this paper will assess the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system. Effectiveness of the Juvenile Justice System The juvenile justice system is indeed effective to an extent. It is effective because it provides morally and legally efficient means that respond to, reduce and combat crimes committed by young offenders. In the four cases, the juvenile system responded efficiently by trying and sentencing the juvenile offenders (Smith 183). For example, Shawn committed murder, killing his father under a state of unconsciousness called parasomnia and the juvenile justice system responded swiftly to this, trying and sentencing him to a less harsh and just sentence where he would be held at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall only till he was 19. Another instance of the effectiveness of the justice system is the change of behavior witnessed among young offenders (Smith 184). Punishing the offender deters them from repeating the mistake, hence effectively changing their behavior. This is usually done through vocational training, anger management, cognitive behavior therapy, or teaching social skills (Smith 184). This can be seen in Shawn’s case where he attends community college classes, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and counseling sessions which are attempts of the system to change his behavior even when he will no longer be under their supervision. This effectiveness is notable in José’s case – he went through probation and classes that saw him change such that he graduated, became drug-free, cut ties with his gang, and even secured a job. There are other ways that show the system is effective. The juvenile system is also adjudged effective because it keeps troublesome offenders in check by controlling and supervising them while at the same time keeping them close to their families (Smith 184). Shawn’s case proves this effectiveness – he was kept out of more trouble by the juvenile center but he could still have meals with his family. The juvenile justice system is also effective because it deters many young offenders from committing crimes. Juvenile delinquency has been reducing significantly since the 1990s and because of the practices such as rehabilitation, the number will continue falling, hence showing the system is effective (Orbis Partners). Furthermore, the satisfaction of victims of crimes either through apologies, retribution, mediation, and restoration also proves the effectiveness of this system (Smith 184). Another show of effectiveness is seen in how the juvenile system addresses and cares for the needs of youths who are sentenced and incarcerated. José’s case elaborates on this – he was evaluated for psychological issues and afterward he underwent counseling. The above ways prove that the juvenile justice system is indeed effective. Ineffectiveness of the Juvenile Justice System On the contrary, the juvenile justice system is also ineffective. First, the system is prone to racial and ethnic discrimination. This is mentioned by Shawn’s attorney who says that the system is marked with inequities in terms of race and socio-economic status. It was found that though Blacks made up 15% of the youths in the juvenile system in 2018, there were overrepresented in all areas; they made up 35% of the youth referred to courts, 52% of the youths transferred to stand trial in adult courts and 42% of those in residential placement (The Annie E. Casey Foundation). This shows how the system is inefficient. Additionally, there have been high recidivism levels for the youths placed in the juvenile systems – the young offenders relapse into criminal behavior after their release. Manny, Marquese, and José show instances of recidivism as they have all gone back into the system even after their release. A CSG Justice Center study found that the recidivism rate for young offenders was as high as 76% within 3 years and over 80% within 5 years (MST Services). The high chance of reoffending shows how ineffective the system is. Additionally, the education given in the justice system is different from the one in normal schools. As such, the youths end up dropping out of school or performing poorly after going through the system. This eventually affects their chances of graduating and getting jobs, which sees them going back to prison. Is Processing Juveniles as Adults an Effective Alternative? Trying juveniles as adults is not a better alternative to the juvenile system. F...