Juvenile Justice and Sentencing Theory

Flashcards covering key concepts related to juvenile justice, sentencing, and legal theories as discussed in the lecture.

Youth Corrections Act (YCA)

A 1950 act that aimed to rehabilitate youthful offenders under 22 years old.

Super Predators

A controversial theory from the 1990s claiming a surge of violent juvenile offenders who were untreatable, often attributed to minority youth.

Indeterminate Sentencing

A type of sentencing that provides a range of time a person may serve, often used for juvenile offenders.

Rehabilitative Approach

A sentencing philosophy focused on rehabilitating offenders rather than punishing them, particularly applicable to juveniles.

Atkins v. Virginia (2002)

A Supreme Court decision ruling that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities is unconstitutional.

Roper v. Simmons (2005)

A Supreme Court case that prohibited the execution of juvenile offenders.

Culpability Assessment

An evaluation of the factors contributing to an offender's decision-making during the offense.

Aggravating Factors

Factors in a capital sentencing that increase the severity of the sentence, possibly leading to a death penalty.

Mitigating Factors

Factors that may decrease the severity of the sentence or affect the legal decision regarding punishment.

Risk Assessment

The process of predicting the likelihood of a person committing future acts of violence.