Juvenile Lifers: (Lethal) Violence, Incarceration and Rehabilitation

This book investigates the personal backgrounds and processes that lead juveniles to risky and violent situations that can result in murder. It explores the links in the chain of events that led to lethal violence and questions whether the existing criminal justice frame is appropriate for dealing with children who commit grave acts. It also examines the impact of prison on the mental, emotional, and social development of juvenile 'lifers' and the level of support they receive from significant others. The book is written in a clear and direct style and will appeal to students and scholars of criminology, sociology, and penology, as well as practitioners working in social policy and those interested in the lives and backgrounds of juvenile offenders.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive study of its kind in Australia, based on extensive fieldwork that delves into the personal backgrounds and processes that lead juveniles into risky and violent situations, ultimately resulting in murder. Through in-depth interviews with every juvenile under life imprisonment in the State of South Australia from 2015 to 2019, the author explores the intricate connections that unfold, leading to the tragic violence that could have been prevented with proper intervention.

The central question posed by the book is whether the existing criminal justice framework is suitable for dealing with children who commit grave acts. It examines the extent to which prison environments facilitate or hinder the mental, emotional, and social development of juvenile 'lifers, a critical issue given that most, if not all, will eventually be released. The book also sheds light on the significant impact of the killing on the relatives of the offenders, including mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings, and the level of commitment they demonstrate in supporting the prisoner's quest for a positive future.

Written in a clear and accessible style, this book is of interest to students and scholars of criminology, sociology, and penology, as well as practitioners working in social policy. It provides valuable insights into the lives and backgrounds of juvenile offenders, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex factors that contribute to their behavior and the challenges they face in rehabilitation.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367677022