Overview of Theories and Legal Cases in Delinquency

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to delinquency theories and pertinent legal cases.

Individualistic Theories

Focus on biological and psychological causes of delinquency.

Classical School

Based on free will and rational decision-making.

Deterrence Theory

Punishment prevents crime if it is swift, certain, and severe.

Rational Choice Theory

People commit crime after weighing costs and benefits.

Routine Activities Theory

Involves three elements: motivated offender, suitable target, and lack of capable guardian.

Positivist School

Based on the idea that behavior is determined by biological, psychological, and social factors.

Biological Theories

Focus on genetics, brain development, and physical traits.

Psychological Theories

Focus on mental illness, personality traits, and trauma.

Sociological Theories

Focus on social environment and external influences.

Social Disorganization Theory

Crime is caused by unstable neighborhoods with issues like poverty and disorder.

Strain Theory

Crime occurs when individuals cannot achieve goals through legitimate means.

Cultural Deviance Theory

Crime results from subcultures with different values.

Social Learning Theory

Crime is learned through interaction with others.

Differential Association

More exposure to pro-crime attitudes increases delinquency.

Labeling Theory

Society’s reaction to behavior influences future crime.

Primary Deviance

Minor rule-breaking with no lasting label.

Secondary Deviance

Crime that results from being labeled.

Marxist/Critical Theories

Focus on inequality and power in society.

Control Theory

Asks why people don’t commit crime, focusing on social bonds.

Social Bonds

Four bonds include attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief.

Quality of Relationships

More important than family structure for impacting delinquency.

Harsh Parenting Style

Increases the risk of delinquency.

Familism

Belief in the importance of family.

School Funding Inequality

Created through property taxes leading to unequal resources.

Status Offense

An act illegal only because of a juvenile’s age.

Kent v. United States

Established the right to a hearing and lawyer before transfer to adult court.

In re Gault

Established the right to an attorney and protection from self-incrimination.

School-to-Prison Pipeline

The process where school discipline pushes students into the juvenile system.

Zero-Tolerance Policies

Strict school rules requiring automatic punishment for minor offenses.

Police Discretion

Ability to decide how to handle situations in law enforcement.

Community Policing

Focus on prevention, relationships, and community engagement.

Juvenile Justice Criticisms

Include lack of due process and potential bias.

Safford Unified School District v. Redding

Generally prohibits strip searches in schools.

Roper v. Simmons

Prohibits the death penalty for juveniles.

Miller v. Alabama

No mandatory life without parole for juveniles.

Graham v. Florida

No life without parole for juveniles committing non-homicide offenses.

New Jersey v. T.L.O.

Established rules for school searches based on reasonable suspicion.

Vernonia School District v. Acton

Permitted school drug testing.

Breed v. Jones

Established protection from double jeopardy for juveniles.

Schall v. Martin

Allowed preventive detention of juveniles.

Direct and Indirect Pathways to School-to-Prison Pipeline

Direct includes referrals to police; indirect involves suspension leading to disengagement.