Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law

Siegel's JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: THEORY,PRACTICE,AND LAW, 14E is the most comprehensive and up-to-date text on juvenile delinquency, covering historical development, research, trends, and global approaches. It presents complex scenarios and critical-thinking questions, with MindTap digital resources for application.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 433 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2023
Publisher: Cengage Learning, Inc

Unrivaled in its current coverage, Siegel's best-selling JUVENILE DELINQUENCY: THEORY, PRACTICE, AND LAW, 14E presents the historical development of the concept of childhood and delinquency as well as the latest research on when, where, and why juvenile crime occurs. With a highly praised balanced approach and engaging writing style, this edition uses thought-provoking discussions of the latest trends to capture your interest as you examine the latest data on issues such as mental disorders and social and environmental causes of delinquency. Each chapter presents numerous complex and detailed scenarios, many based on real-life cases, followed by critical-thinking questions. You examine current issues, such as how today's gangs recruit members in cyberspace, how the COVID pandemic has influenced teen drug use, trends in school shootings and crime, and how delinquency is addressed around the world. MindTap digital resources are also available to apply what you've learned.

Delinquency is a complex issue that has been studied for centuries. It refers to the behavior of individuals who engage in illegal or harmful activities, often as minors. The concept of childhood and delinquency has evolved over time, with different societies and cultures having their own perspectives on what constitutes a juvenile offender and the appropriate response to their behavior.

One of the key factors in understanding juvenile delinquency is the historical development of the concept of childhood. In ancient times, children were considered to be a part of their parents' households and were responsible for their actions. However, as societies became more complex, the idea of childhood began to separate from adulthood. Children were no longer seen as simply extensions of their parents but as individuals with their own needs and desires.

This shift in perspective led to the development of different theories about the causes of juvenile delinquency. Some scholars argue that genetic factors play a significant role in determining whether an individual is likely to engage in criminal behavior. Others suggest that environmental factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and exposure to violence, are more important. Still, others argue that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible for juvenile delinquency.

Another important aspect of understanding juvenile delinquency is the location and timing of criminal behavior. Juvenile offenders are more likely to engage in criminal behavior in certain areas and at certain times. For example, urban areas with high rates of poverty and crime are often associated with higher rates of juvenile delinquency. Similarly, certain times of the year, such as the summer months, may be associated with increased rates of juvenile crime.

The causes of juvenile delinquency are complex and multifaceted. They can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including genetic, environmental, and social factors. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective strategies for preventing and addressing juvenile delinquency.

One of the most effective strategies for preventing juvenile delinquency is early intervention. This involves providing support and resources to children and families at risk of engaging in criminal behavior. This can include programs that provide education, job training, and counseling to children and families in need. Early intervention programs can help to reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency by providing children with the skills and resources they need to succeed in life.

In addition to early intervention, other strategies for preventing juvenile delinquency include enforcing laws and policies that protect children from harm. This can include laws that prohibit the sale of firearms to minors, laws that protect children from abuse and neglect, and laws that prohibit the possession of drugs and other illegal substances. Enforcement of these laws is essential for preventing juvenile delinquency by ensuring that children are not exposed to the harmful environments that can lead to criminal behavior.

Another important strategy for addressing juvenile delinquency is providing treatment and rehabilitation to juvenile offenders. This can include programs that provide counseling, education, and job training to juvenile offenders in order to help them overcome the challenges that led to their criminal behavior. Treatment and rehabilitation programs can help to reduce the risk of recidivism by providing juvenile offenders with the skills and resources they need to succeed in life.

In conclusion, juvenile delinquency is a complex issue that has been studied for centuries. It refers to the behavior of individuals who engage in illegal or harmful activities, often as minors. The concept of childhood and delinquency has evolved over time, with different societies and cultures having their own perspectives on what constitutes a juvenile offender and the appropriate response to their behavior.

Understanding the causes of juvenile delinquency is essential for developing effective strategies for preventing and addressing it. These strategies can include early intervention, enforcement of laws and policies that protect children from harm, and treatment and rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders. By working together to address these issues, we can help to create a safer and more prosperous society for all children.

Weight: 1338g
ISBN-13: 9780357763834
Edition number: 14 ed