Description

Juveniles are accorded special status under the American legal system. This introductory course will examine the historical precedents and philosophical reasons for treating juveniles differently from adults. We will examine the legal doctrines of the original juvenile court and contrast them with the current handling of young offenders in the juvenile and criminal courts. Students will learn about the distribution of juvenile delinquency and the impact of significant social and institutional influences on delinquency. The course will also provide a detailed overview of the juvenile justice system, which will include a review of major court rulings that have shaped contemporary juvenile justice, pretrial procedures, and the juvenile court and corrections systems. Finally, the course will consider dispositional options available to courts and will explore which are most effective in reducing delinquency.

The course format combines lecture, group discussions, films, and guest presentations. Confirmed guest speakers for Autumn 2010 include a juvenile court judge, juvenile probation chief, juvenile state administrator, victim, and a human rights activist who will discuss juveniles sentenced to life terms. Students will also visit two juvenile correctional facilities operated by the California Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

By the conclusion of this course, students should have an understanding of the juvenile justice system and how it compares with the adult justice system, what programs work to reduce recidivism, and be cognizant of some of the major legal and policy issues confronting that system today.

• Number of Units: 3
• Course Number: 527

Recently Taught By:

• Joan Petersilia