NCJ Number
15148
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1974) Pages: 190-200
Date Published
1974
Length
11 pages
Annotation
DEFINITIONS OF SITUATIONS IN AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT BY A WEST GERMAN JUVENILE OFFENDER ARE CONTRASTED WITH THE SAME SITUATIONS AS DESCRIBED IN COURT RECORDS.
Abstract
THE INFORMATION ENTERED INTO THE OFFICIAL RECORD BY POLICE, PROSECUTOR, JUVENILE WORKERS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS INVOLVED A CASE IN WHICH THE OFFENDER WAS SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS PROBATION FOR SHOPLIFTING AND PANDERING. THE ARTICLE SUGGESTS THAT, ALTHOUGH INFORMATION IN THE OFFICIAL RECORD IS NOT ALWAYS SUFFICIENTLY SENSITIVE TO SITUATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE JUVENILE OFFENDER'S CASE, IT WILL PREVAIL OVER THE STATEMENTS OF THE OFFENDER IN DETERMINING ADJUDICATION. THE ARTICLE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING THE OFFENDER'S OWN DEFINITIONS OF THE SITUATION IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES OF CRIME. --IN GERMAN