NCJ Number
143328
Editor(s)
R Sarri,
Y Hasenfeld
Date Published
1976
Length
258 pages
Annotation
A 1974 survey of more than 2,000 juvenile court judges, court administrators, probation officers, detention supervisors, and other court staff provided information regarding the crucial policy issues facing the juvenile court.
Abstract
Data also came from extended field studies in seven courts. The analysis focused on staff perceptions of goal priorities, case processing, court structural and staff characteristics, correctional services, and the role of due process. Results revealed substantial variation both within and between States, a lack of due process protections, and problems of racism and sexism not only in case processing but also in the composition of juvenile court personnel. Major issues facing the juvenile courts include the contradictory goals of social control and rehabilitation, the use of the courts for handling minor behavior problems, excessive discretion, the handling of juvenile status offenses, and the use of strategies such as decriminalization and diversion. Tables, figures, appended background information and additional results, list of cases, and 143 references