Kelly L. Gould

Delinquency Around the World
Europe

Youth involved in pornography, prostitution and teen violence has increased in many countries

The main reason for skyrocketing of teen violence is believed to be the tremendous growth in immigrant youth populations

Immigrant children face greater personal alienation in an anomic environment and are therefore more susceptible to violence

Delinquency Around The World
The Americas

Canada is experiencing more school shootings and violence

In Mexico, youth street gangs are increasing as well as their violent behavior

In Brazil

Young people are responsible for a disproportionate number of homicides

In Rio de Janeiro killings of street
children are commonplace

Delinquency Around The World
Australia / New Zealand

These countries traditionally are not associated with high crime and delinquency rates

In New Zealand, youth graffiti has become a serious problem

In Australia

Child prostitution has become a serious problem

Youth violence is serious (Youths are offenders or victims in about one-third of all murders occurring in Australia)

Delinquency Around The World
Asia

Japanese teen violence is at the highest level it has been in more that 30 years

Delinquency is also on the increase in China

This has been attributed to the on-going social and economic upheaval that began in 1979

The government’s approach to delinquency is much more humane than its approach to adult criminality

The government’s approach is as a pseudo parent with the focus on prevention and education, not punishment

Delinquency Around The World
Africa

Juvenile crime and gang violence are growing problems in many African countries

Increases are attributed to

Abject poverty

Ethnic tensions

Growing gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" throughout African cities

Difficulties of Comparing Delinquency Rates Across Countries

World Delinquency Data Sources

Benefits of Cross National Research

Helps to determine how the nature of delinquency differs between countries

Study may lead to discoveries of why differences exist and may therefore be important to new policy formation

The knowledge assists how one needs to address the problems of transnational and international crime

Helps a country determine "how it is doing" compared to another

Juvenile Violence in Europe
and North America

Juvenile Crime in Europe and North America

The United Nations and "Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice" (1985)

The general principles focus on development of a separate and fair system to deal with juveniles and their families and to insure its accountability

In the investigation and prosecution of juvenile cases, the UN recommends

upon the apprehension of a juvenile, parents or guardians be notified as soon as possible and that

consideration be given to dealing with juvenile offenders without resorting to a trial and if

diversion is to be used, the consent of the juvenile or parents must be obtained

The United Nations and "Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice" (1985)

The United Nations and "Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice" (1985)

Juvenile Policing

International Juvenile Diversion Programs

Transfers to Adult Court Systems

Transfers of juveniles to adult courts are widely accepted in developed countries and where possible, the main criteria in deciding this action are:

the seriousness or violence of the crime

In some developed countries, it is still not possible to try a juvenile in an adult court system

Sentencing Juveniles

The maximum sentence length for juvenile offenders varies considerably across developed countries.

Youth Aftercare

In all developed countries juveniles are provided with a wide range of aftercare programs.

In China, the most prevalent form is the "supervision order" requiring the juvenile to abide by a number of conditions

Canada’s new (2002) Youth Criminal Justice Act requires that all periods of time spent in an institution be followed by a period of intensive supervision in the community

In many developed countries, juveniles are eligible for early release much earlier than adults.

Juvenile Justice In England

The Children Act of 1908 was founded on three main principles:

Juvenile offenders should be kept separate from adult criminals and should receive treatment differentiated to suit their special needs

Parents should be made more responsible for the wrongdoing of their children

The imprisonment of juveniles should be abolished

Juvenile Justice In England:
Apprehension and Charge

Juvenile Justice In England:
Bail

After the police have charged the juvenile, a bail hearing must take place to determine whether the juvenile can go home or be remanded in custody

Most juvenile offenders who are arrested are granted bail

In the U.S. juveniles do not hold the right to be released on bail

Juvenile Justice In England
Pre-court Diversion

Juvenile Justice In England
Prosecution

Juvenile Justice In
England: Youth Court

This is a special court that handles juveniles

In most instances, trials of juveniles are presided over by a three-member panel of youth court lay magistrates who have received special training

In larger urban areas, lay magistrates may be replaced by professional, stipendiary magistrates

In the United States, only one juvenile court judge presides over a trail in a juvenile courtroom.

Juvenile Justice In England
Sentencing