A young person is caught stealing a bicycle. It is the individual’s first criminal offense. Using what you’ve learned, address the following:
- How would the legal system have dealt with the youthful offender in the early 20th century compared to now?
- Which of these approaches do you think is the most beneficial to that individual? Explain your reasons.
Be specific and refer to sources that have informed your opinion.
Requirements: 300 or more words in depth
This is the course text book we are using that you can use for a reference
Bartollas, C., & Schmalleger, F. (2017). Juvenile Delinquency (Justice Series) (3rd Edition). Pearson Education (US).
Answer preview
Currently, legal changes and policy changes on juveniles have taken place and now stress aggressive punishments and accountability of the young person about their actions. It has shifted the legal system approach from rehabilitation and diversion to juvenile crime and punishment. Hence the focus has shifted from rehabilitating the crime offender to punishing the act. Therefore the young person caught stealing a bike would be punished for their actions rather than rehabilitated. The best approach, in this case, is to rehabilitate the offender. This way, the individual is more likely to change their behaviors and become aware of the consequences of the behaviors (Bartollas and Schmalleger, 2017). The individual should be rehabilitated since, as a young person, they may have committed the crime due to peer influence and the need to take risks. Young people are more likely to engage in threats compared to adults. In addition, peer influence may impact their actions and encourage risk-taking behaviors. As the young person
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