Youth Crime and Justice System: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and developments related to youth crime and the juvenile justice system based on the provided lecture notes.

What are public issues in society related to youth crime?

Collective social concerns often portrayed in the media.

Define discourse in the context of social issues.

The way language is used to understand and communicate social issues.

What is the juvenile justice system?

A legal framework specifically establishing procedures to handle minors accused of crimes.

What does it mean to problematize an issue?

To present something as a problematic issue requiring examination and possible resolution.

What is penal populism?

Political strategies that exploit public fears about crime to garner votes, often leading to harsher criminal justice policies.

What is the rehabilitative philosophy in criminal justice?

A perspective that emphasizes the rehabilitation of offenders rather than punishment.

What defines a juvenile delinquent?

A minor who has committed an act that is considered a crime.

What is the significance of 'denied adulthood' regarding youth?

Social status denying youth the rights and responsibilities of adulthood.

What is moral panic?

The intense feeling expressed in a population about an issue that appears to threaten the social order.

What is the role of primary data in research?

Raw data collected directly from sources for the purpose of analysis.

What are secondary data?

Information derived from existing research to support new studies.

What are training schools?

Facilities focused on education and skill development for troubled youth.

What changes did the Young Offenders Act (YOA) bring in Canada?

It distinguished youth justice practices from adult systems, focusing on accountability and rehabilitation.

What is the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)?

Legislation enacted in 2003 aimed at balancing rehabilitation with accountability for youth offenders.

What are status offences?

Behaviours that are illegal only because of the age of the offender (e.g., truancy).

What challenges does the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) currently face?

Debates over the adequacy of current policies and the need for reform to better address youth crime.