Juvie Sentencing

Juvie Sentencing

The Juvenile Court system is significantly differently than Adult criminal court. From intake to sentencing almost all aspects are unique from its predecessor. The disposition process attempts to address many relevant factors regarding delinquent minor children. Although there are many options available to judge, deciding the best selection for the specific situation is complicated and many times faced with controversy as to whether the decisions falls within the traditional rehabilitative ideology of juvenile justice or with increasingly formalized criminalization statues.
Prior to discussing the options available to the time of disposition, there needs to be a clear understanding of the potential goal of the court. Historically the goal of the juvenile system was founded on the idea of parens patriae. The concern of the court is to protect the best interest of the subject child. Since children are seen as unaccountable and naïve, it has become the courts responsibility to teach incorrigibly minors the injustice of their actions thru rehabilitation. Rehabilitation takes the standpoint that self-destructive youth need treatment from the state so they can become healthy members of society. Unlike adults, who are accountable for their actions, children don’t know any better, potentially because of their current circumstances. The rehabilitation model attempts the address the unique factors that have negatively influenced the minor. The goal is not about the offense, but rather helping the individual offender.
Another goal of the court could be based on punishment. Known as the crime control model the goal is to make minor offenders accountable for their actions. It is designed to hurt and to deter offenders rather than to provide a benefit to the individual. Those that do immediately benefit from criminal sanction are the public, as there is temporary protection of the delinquent. Unlike the rehabilitative model, crime control does not look at...

Similar Essays