Answer to Question 1
Efforts to ensure that juveniles are given appropriate treatment are consistent with the doctrine of parens patriae that predominated in the first half of the twentieth century.
Over the past century, the juvenile court has struggled to provide treatment for juvenile offenders while guaranteeing them constitutional due process.
But the system has been so overwhelmed by the increase in violent juvenile crime and family breakdown that some judges and politicians have suggested abolishing the juvenile system.
Even those experts who want to retain an independent juvenile court have called for its restructuring.
Crime control advocates want to reduce the court's jurisdiction over juveniles charged with serious crimes and liberalize the prosecutor's ability to try them in adult courts.
In contrast, child advocates suggest that the court scale back its judicial role and transfer its functions to community groups and social service agencies.
Student views will vary.
Answer to Question 2
Routine activities theory is the view that crime is a normal function of the routine activities of modern living; offenses can be expected if there is a motivated offender and a suitable target that is not protected by capable guardians.
The three variables are capable guardian(s), suitable target(s), and motivated offender(s).
o Capable Guardian(s)
Homeowners
Security systems
Parents
Neighbors
Police officers
o Suitable Target(s)
Unlocked homes
Expensive cars
Easily transportable goodscell phone, iPad, laptop computer
o Motivated Offender(s)
Unemployed teenagers
Drug addicts
Gang members
Student responses will vary.