Russell Spinks
CJA/204/Introduction to Criminal Justice
March 11, 2013
Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Crime
When we start to discuss juvenile delinquency and juvenile crimes it can sometimes become complicated because of age limitations that come within the bounds of the law. Each state has their own interpretation of what is considered a juvenile in the juvenile justice system. Juveniles in the State of Louisiana are defined as anyone who is older than age 10 and younger than age 17, where a 17-year-old is classified in the eyes of the state as an adult. In the State of Louisiana a 10-year-old juvenile may be charged for any crime that he or she may commit. In the juvenile justice system there are six categories in which are still used in today’s judicial system jurisdictions to describe the variety of children are subject to juvenile court jurisdiction (Schmalleger, 2011). Delinquency, which is an undesirable behavior or delinquent children, is those children who have violated the law. Where this is different is if these were adults this would be considered criminal (Schmalleger, 2011). Undisciplined children are children beyond parental control, as there demonstration by refusing to obey there parents, legal guardians, teachers, or school officials (Schmalleger, 2011). Dependent children are children who have no parents or guardians (Schmalleger, 2011). Neglected children are children who are neglected or do not receive the proper care from their parents are guardians (Schmalleger, 2011). Abused children are physically abused by their parents are guardians whether it be emotionally or sexually (Schmalleger, 2011). Status offenders are offenders that embrace children who violate specific laws written for only them (Schmalleger, 2011). These categories are specific to the juvenile justice system along with those of status offenses. According to Schmalleger, (2011) status offenses
References: National Conference of State Legislatures. (2013). Juvenile Justice. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research.aspx?tabs=951,62,98 Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2012). Law Enforcement and Juvenile Crime. Retrieved from http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05102.asp PBS. (1995-2013). Juvenile Justice. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/stats/kidslikeadults.html Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice Today. An Introductory Text for the 21st Century (11th ed.). Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/eReader.aspx