Introduction to Youth Justice Flashcards
What age range generally defines youth? In terms of class context, which age range do we typically focus on?
- 12-17
- extended to 12-24 (various reasons as to why)
What is emerging adulthood?
period between ages 18-25 where neural & social development continue to unfold
transition from adolescence into adulthood
Do we reach full maturity at the age of 18?
No, neural development shows a surge of hormones at beginning of puberty triggers states of rapid brain development that continues into mid 20s
Lists a few of the rights & responsibilities gained at 18
vote, access social assistance, legally married, sign legal contracts
What areas of neural development has implications on the YJS?
Prefrontal cortex: responsible for planning, judgement, foresight, and problem-solving; does not reach maturity until around age 25
Amygdala: involved in recognizing and controlling emotions; hyper-reactive in emotional situations until the mid-20s
Reward System: draws us towards pleasant experiences while ignoring negative consequences; hyper-reactive to pleasure until the mid-20s
What is the age-graded theory of informal social control?
“turning point” can strength social bonds & decrease likelihood of criminality
economic & social shifts have pushed turning points to later in life than once used to be
E.g. more people getting married in their 30s rather than their 20s
Compared to older adults, what challenges do emerging adults face in the justice system?
incarcerated emerging adults experience
more disciplinary infractions, physical altercations, solitary confinement, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and recidivism
Is youth & adult crime defined the same?
Criminal code applies to both; acts are different (e.g. Youth Criminal Justice Act)
Act sets out diff penalties & philosophies on how youth should be treated; criminal code defines crimes
Acts account for diminished responsibilities - youth less responsible for their actions than adults
Why is media an unreliable source for crime?
Media often gets info from police directly (primary definers of crime)
Doesn’t account for victims, offender, bystanders, mitigating factors, etc.
Media isn’t critical of police - need police to gain info
Media isn’t given enough time to report
Lacks context
Describe the objectivist-legalistic approach to crime
○ common sense way of defining crime in Canada
○ Crime defined by the criminal code
○ Norms are codified into laws - reflection of society
○ consensus approach - reasonable, no debate
○ Society agrees what should be against the law
○ Sx functions in the interest of all (police, courts, & corrections)
Explain the social reaction/social constructionist approach to crime
○ looks at how social problems emerge
○ An objective condition or through the work of claims makers
○ Are certain social problems a real issues? For some or for all?
§ E.g. is car theft only a problem for car owners
Explain the concept of moral panic
§ Event happens & group is targeted - often youth
§ Media exaggerates & simplifies the crime
§ Public becomes concerned
§ Claim makers chime in
§ Legal sx reacts, often more punitively
§ E.g. War on Drugs - USA
