Juvenile Delinquency

Major theme in this course

An umbrella subject which includes sociology, psychology, ect

Theory: Steady significant increase in crime

Moral relativism

There is no right or wrong...depends on the given situation

Based on Einstein’s theory or relativity which states “the faster you move the slower your time” (There is no absolute time)

Criminal behavior committed by children (delinquency)

Neglect and abuse of children (dependency)

Criminal behavior done by a person defined as a child

By chronological age

Most states=less than 18 years old (General Rule)

Some exceptions where crime is excluded

They are illegal because of the persons status (tobacco use, alcohol underage drinking)

is based on the idea that children are unique beings that demand unique needs

**THE WHOLE PREMISE OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY**

Originally meant “the king is the parent of his subject”

Evolved into: the state has parental responsibility to its most vulnerable citizens (children)

So state has right and power to act as a “parent” or father of its child citizens

A child less than seven year is too young to be prosecuted. But if older can be prosecuted.

Humanistic trend in western civilization (Locke, Rousso)

Ideas such as: all men are created equally. Every human being has inalienable rights

**Our whole constitution is based off of this***

Children are unique…are not mature and less able to see consequence of behavior…therefore less quilt and have to be treated different

Also if a child is committing crimes then something is wrong with the child…the child is a victim of something negative in their life. Children should be treated and rehabilitate

Advocated in changes in treatment of kids

**Led to 1st juvenile court system in Illinois**

Hybrid of the criminal system and civil system

Has a limit on persons freedomSociety is the victim. Injure society if certain behaviors are allowed like murder or rape. Society would not be able to function