NCJ Number
115254
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 6 Dated: (1988) Pages: 451-461
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The Juvenile/Family Court has significant problems in dealing efficiently and effectively with its caseload.
Abstract
Due to the pressure of 'serious' juvenile crime, a large volume of status offense and minor crime cases, although of significant social consequence, are dismissed by the court. The concept of 'neighborhood justice' has provided one basis for dealing with such cases. This is a report of a process evaluation of New Jersey's Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) program, which provides an extensive network of citizen tribunals as an arm of the court. The evaluation was designed to explore both structural and procedural aspects of the JCC with a focus on policy implications. Results show that the JCC is a major diversion mechanism. Questions are raised, however, as to the purpose of intervention in cases of minor delinquency and the adequacy of current JCC procedures in dealing with such cases. The conclusion is reached that the citizens' tribunal is an important mechanism for community development. (Author abstract)