NCJ Number
179107
Journal
The Annals Volume: 564 Dated: July 1999 Pages: 28-36
Editor(s)
Ira M. Schwartz
Date Published
July 1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article considers arguments for abolition of the juvenile court and suggests that proponents may not go far enough in their proposals to dismantle the juvenile court's delinquency jurisdiction.
Abstract
While eliminating the juvenile court's delinquency jurisdiction may be justifiable given the court's emphasis on punishment and control, any such proposal also must account for the institutional effects on the court. Particularly, proponents of abolishing the court's delinquency jurisdiction on grounds that it is a flawed criminal court must consider whether that criticism also provides justification for abolition of the juvenile court's status offense jurisdiction since status offenders also are subject to state control for their behavior. Proponents must also take into account the institutional consequences of changing the court's caseload. In summary, the article suggests that abolition of the juvenile court requires a more significant restructuring than has been previously suggested. References