Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law Review

A comprehensive set of 50 flashcards based on key concepts from the juvenile justice system, designed to aid in exam preparation for the material covered in Siegel's Juvenile Delinquency.

What does the philosophy of parens patriae mean?

The state acts as the child’s guardian when parents cannot.

National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS).

Nationwide survey that asks households if they have been victims of crime; captures unreported crime; relies on memory

What is the most common drug used by teens?

Marijuana.

Why is early-onset offending important?

It predicts chronic offending.

What does Strain theory argue causes delinquency?

Delinquency occurs when goals cannot be achieved through legal means.

What does social learning theory focus on?

Environmental modeling.

Which Supreme Court case granted juveniles the right to counsel?

In re Gault.

What does labeling theory argue about negative labels?

Delinquency increases when youth internalize negative labels.

What does 'widening the net' refer to?

Pulling more kids into the system who don’t need it.

What hypothesis explains why girls may receive more lenient treatment?

Chivalry hypothesis.

What does social disorganization theory link to delinquency?

Disorganized, high-crime communities.

An adjudicatory hearing is similar to what?

An adult trial.

What does a predisposition report help a judge determine?

Select the best disposition.

Why do boot camps fail mainly?

They don’t address underlying causes.

What is the suppression effect?

Delinquency drops because youth are confined and simply can’t offend.

When is foster care used?

When parents cannot provide safe care.

Which case banned the death penalty for juveniles?

Roper v. Simmons.

What is the biggest weakness of the UCR?

It only counts reported crimes.

Why is community treatment effective?

It keeps youth in the community with support.

What is a risk factor for delinquency?

Delinquent peers.

What does the juvenile court primarily focus on?

Rehabilitation.

Truancy is an example of what?

A status offense.

What does police discretion mean?

Choosing between different options.

Which youth is most likely to be a chronic offender?

Early-onset offender.

What is the gender difference in delinquency for males?

They commit more violent crimes.

What is the purpose of a cottage system?

Mimic family-like living in small units.

What do diversion programs aim to do?

Prevent formal processing.

What does a blended sentence combine?

Juvenile and adult sanctions.

What does social control theory stress is important?

Strong social bonds.

What may probation conditions include?

Attending school.

What does the 'cycle of violence' refer to?

Abuse leading to later violence.

What do victims of bullying often experience?

Emotional trauma.

How is the criminal justice system described compared to juvenile justice?

The criminal justice system is adversarial, while juvenile justice is collaborative and rehabilitative.

What does NCVS help measure?

Unreported crime.

How are hybrid gangs characterized?

Mixed-race and flexible.

What is electronic monitoring used for?

Track youth movement.

What does an indeterminate sentence mean?

Release based on progress.

What is the most common setting for juvenile crime?

School and community.

When do police-community partnerships work best?

When trust is strong.

What does aftercare focus on?

Helping youth transition home.

Does the juvenile justice system emphasize rehabilitation?

True.

Do girls and boys commit delinquency at the same rates?

False.

Does widening the net bring fewer youth into the system?

False.

Do boot camps effectively reduce recidivism?

False.

Was the 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard established by In re Winship?

True.

Do juveniles have a constitutional right to a jury trial?

False.

Does social learning theory emphasize peer influence?

True.

Does early intervention reduce the likelihood of chronic offending?

True.

Is probation the most common juvenile sentence?

True.

Does the suppression effect represent true rehabilitation?

False.