CJ 230 - Juvenile Justice System

Examines the development of antisocial behavior in childhood and delinquency in adolescence while also covering the evolving structure of the juvenile justice system in the United States. We begin by examining the concept of delinquency and how antisocial behavior generally develops early in the life course. Students examine factors associated with antisocial behavior during adolescence (e.g., sex / gender, family and parenting, school performance, peers and gangs, and drug use) are learn how states utilize delinquency prevention programs to reduce rates of juvenile offending. The course concludes with an overview of the juvenile justice system, including the roles of police and juvenile dispositions; the role of judges, sentencing, and waiver procedures; and court diversion and corrections. Students engage in a semester-long research project on a specific area of delinquency prevention, with an option to participate in community engaged learning (CEL) through the Meelia Center. (Formerly CJ 231)

Four credits.