Juvenile Justice

Catalog description

In this course, we will explore legal and policy questions centered on how society should respond to children, adolescents and youth adults who commit crimes. To what degree should developmental differences between youth and adults be reflected in law and policy? Are legislators or individual judges in the best position to decide how to meet the needs of youthful offenders while at the same time protecting the interests of victims and the larger community? What responsibility do parents and communities bear in providing children and opportunity to change their behavior? How should the justice system interact with other systems, including education, mental health and child welfare? Summative assessment in the course will be measured by student performance on a midterm exam and a final paper, together with exemplary preparation, attendance and participation.