CRIM 501 - Juvenile Justice

3
Young people are disproportionately impacted by criminal behavior whether they are victimized, acting as offenders, or witnessing violence or other criminal activities. The systemic responses to their experiences will shape not only their future interactions with the system, but the trajectory of their lives. This course will provide a detailed overview of the issues, policies, and procedures of the juvenile justice system, from its inception to its current state. Historical precedents for treating juveniles differently, including the types of crimes and processes they are subject to, from adults in the criminal justice system will be explored. Students will analyze current knowledge about how the biological, psychological, and social development of children influences policy and practice. During the course, the influence of individual, family, and community factors (both risk and protective) on delinquency and victimization will be considered. Tested practices to reducing delinquency and victimization such as mentoring, therapy, and D.A.R.E. will be debated.