Juvenile Justice

Catalog description

The arena of juvenile justice is more than just distinct from other areas of our criminal justice system. The treatment, protocol, and procedure afforded to underage offenders has often been described as its own criminal justice system. Students will learn both theoretically and pragmatically why underage offenders must be handled differently. Further, students will learn the basics for how the law recognizes and implements these differences, including initial engagement, arrest, prosecution of, disposition, and supervision. Of special interest will be the treatment of serious felonies, as well as those juveniles offenders who are either very young, or conversely, nearly adults. Additionally, the course will address whether current procedures are adequately suited for the future of the criminal justice system. Prerequisite(s): LAW-201