What are the competing explanations for the creation of juvenile court?
What are typical extra-legal factors that influence the dispositions handed out by the juvenile court? Explain how these factors contribute to a two-track system and to the problem of RED in the juvenile justice system.
Using the concept of developmental competency, take a stand on whether adolescents should be tried in adult court.
At what age should youth be held criminally responsible? Support your argument.
What are the arguments for and against juvenile court revision and abolishment?
Describe what happened in the In re Gaultcase. What specific legal changes resulted from this Supreme Court decision?
Identify the due process rights afforded to juveniles. How do constitutional rights of juveniles differ from the constitutional rights of adults? Do you believe this is fair? Why or why not?
What is a revocation hearing? How did the revocation hearing process contribute to the lengthy sentences served by youth profiled in the case study in this chapter?
What is the courtroom workgroup? How might that explain what happened in Judge Ciavarella’s courtroom?
How do specialty courts operate differently from juvenile court? Which of these innovative courts would you support? Provide evidence for your answer.
