CRJ 2263 - Juvenile Justice And Delinquency

3 Credits

Historical analysis of problems associated with juvenile delinquency and the evolution of a juvenile justice system apart from the adult criminal justice system; study of landmark court cases which have shaped the system’s response to juvenile problems; dilemmas faced by criminal justice practitioners in deciding whether to apply juvenile or adult criteria in deciding cases involving young offenders.

Pre or Corequisite: CRJ 1103 - Introduction To Criminal Justice*

Course Level Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Utilize correct English spelling and grammar conventions as applicable in discussion posts, essays, reports, academic papers, oral presentations, and other submissions for grade in this course. (PLO 1, 2)
2. Complete the required Arkansas Mandated Reporter training course online, submitting certificates and signed statements of training to NPC Social Sciences Division. (PLO 1, 2, 4)
3. Analyze the evolution of a separate system for juvenile justice in the United States, and the techniques used to track juvenile crime to evaluate the current system by comparing juvenile crime trends from different time periods with changes in how we respond to juvenile crime. (PLO 1, 3, 4)
4. Evaluate competing theoretical perspectives that attempt to explain juvenile crime, to determine the relative impact of family, child abuse, peer groups, schools, and drug abuse as factors of delinquency. (PLO 1, 4, 5)
5. Evaluate the current system to determine appropriate roles for the police, courts, and other juvenile justice professionals. (PLO 1, 4, 6)
6. Evaluate selected landmark court cases impacting the juvenile justice system, to determine appropriate enforcement responses and create guidelines for officers dealing with juvenile delinquents. (PLO 1, 7)
7. Analyze differences between adult and juvenile justice systems, evaluating the problems and status of juvenile corrections, and determining career opportunities available in the juvenile justice field. (PLO 1, 4, 7)
8. Analyze current trends in delinquency, evaluating the issues of exploitation, street gangs, and increasing percentages of female offenders, to determine appropriate treatment programs for at-risk juveniles. (PLO 1, 3, 4, 5)