Juvenile Crime *pgs. 394-399 Essential Question: What is juvenile crime and how does the system handle it?

Defining Juvenile Crime Juvenile- person under the age of 18, or in some states, 16 Delinquents- juveniles who are found guilty of breaking the law Arson and larceny are the most frequently committed juvenile crimes

Causes of Juvenile Crime Poor Home Conditions Poor Neighborhood Gang Membership Dropping Out of School and Unemployment Alcohol and Drugs Peer Pressure

Juvenile Justice System Reform Juvenile courts systems were established Purpose was to remove children from harmful environments Juvenile offenders have the same due process rights as adults

Juvenile Justice System Today’s Juvenile Justice System Juvenile’s do not have the right to a jury trial They have hearings The only people allowed to attend are parents/guardians and those directly involved in the case The judge decides guilt or innocence

Juvenile Justice System Treatment or Punishment Foster Care- for more adequate adult supervision Juvenile Corrections- prisons for minors Probation- period of time during which offenders are given an opportunity to show that they can reform (while living in society) Counseling Treating Juveniles as Adults- usually happens to felons 14+ yrs old

Avoiding Trouble Don’t use drugs Stay in school Say “no” to peer pressure Try to live a full life- if a juvenile is busy with positive things, they are less likely to turn to crime