History of the Juvenile Justice System
Schlagle 1
Kelli Schlagle
Harrison Hartley
English 106
November 26, 2012
History of the Juvenile Justice System
The 100 year history of the juvenile justice system in the United States has seen fundamental changes in certain aspects of process and philosophy. Many adults, in today’s society, would disagree with how juveniles are processed in the adult justice system. In the 18th century, any juvenile below the age of 17 years old were housed with adults in the criminal system. Most juveniles in the adult system in the 18th century were in prison or sentenced to death. Children as young as 6 years old were either hung or burned at the stake for their crimes.
Thomas Graunger was the 1st juvenile known to be executed in America in 1642 in Plymouth Colony, MA (Hale 1997). Many juveniles faced grave dangers of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and even suicide in adult’s facilities than juvenile facilities. Early jails housed men, women, juveniles, mentally unhealthy, and mentally healthy criminals. Overcrowded conditions in the jails caused corruption that juveniles were faced with while confined with adult felons. There was reported abuse of beatings and deplorable conditions. Many juveniles had received very harsh treatment in the adult system. Social views began to change, many started to see juvenile offenders as youths who had simply lost their way, rather than hardened criminals. Many believed that with proper instruction, and disciplinary guidelines instituted, a youth could be rehabilitated and again become a productive member of society.
The 1st court was established under British legal doctrine of 'Parens Patrial ' which means “State
Schlagle 2
as Parent”. Mary Bartelme (1865-1954) was the 1st woman to be appointed as a public guardian for juveniles in Cook County Illinois, and was the 1st woman judge who had held both positions. Mary, Julia Lathrop, Lucy Flowers, and the State Board of Charities lobbied for and established juvenile
Kelli Schlagle
Harrison Hartley
English 106
November 26, 2012
History of the Juvenile Justice System
The 100 year history of the juvenile justice system in the United States has seen fundamental changes in certain aspects of process and philosophy. Many adults, in today’s society, would disagree with how juveniles are processed in the adult justice system. In the 18th century, any juvenile below the age of 17 years old were housed with adults in the criminal system. Most juveniles in the adult system in the 18th century were in prison or sentenced to death. Children as young as 6 years old were either hung or burned at the stake for their crimes.
Thomas Graunger was the 1st juvenile known to be executed in America in 1642 in Plymouth Colony, MA (Hale 1997). Many juveniles faced grave dangers of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and even suicide in adult’s facilities than juvenile facilities. Early jails housed men, women, juveniles, mentally unhealthy, and mentally healthy criminals. Overcrowded conditions in the jails caused corruption that juveniles were faced with while confined with adult felons. There was reported abuse of beatings and deplorable conditions. Many juveniles had received very harsh treatment in the adult system. Social views began to change, many started to see juvenile offenders as youths who had simply lost their way, rather than hardened criminals. Many believed that with proper instruction, and disciplinary guidelines instituted, a youth could be rehabilitated and again become a productive member of society.
The 1st court was established under British legal doctrine of 'Parens Patrial ' which means “State
Schlagle 2
as Parent”. Mary Bartelme (1865-1954) was the 1st woman to be appointed as a public guardian for juveniles in Cook County Illinois, and was the 1st woman judge who had held both positions. Mary, Julia Lathrop, Lucy Flowers, and the State Board of Charities lobbied for and established juvenile
Cited: Encyclopedia of Chicago. “Juvenile Justice Reform”. Web. 2005. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Center on Juvenile Justice and Criminal Justice. “Juvenile Justice History”. Web. 2012. PBS. Frontline. “Child or Adult? A Century Long View”. Web. 2012. Schmalleger, Frank. “Juvenile Justice”. Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction. 9th Edition. 2012. 1999 National Report Series. “Juvenile Justice: A Century Long of Change”. Web. 2012. November 26, 2012