Describe the two competing goals of the juvenile justice system addressed in the module: accountability and punishment of the Get Tough Era versus the original and more recent goals of prevention and rehabilitation. Then, take a position on these competing goals. Use the module readings, data presented throughout the module, and your theoretical/empirical/experiential perspectives to explain which philosophy is best for youthful offenders AND for public safety.

How do neuroscientific arguments regarding brain development and maturity influence your position?

Is one philosophy (rehabilitation or punishment) more effective? Can these two philosophies work alongside each other in a balanced system that improves youth outcomes AND protects the public? Make sure to support your position with a critical analysis of these different philosophies.

Please make sure to upload a Word document with your answer.

Required Module Readings: Steinberg, L. (2017). Adolescent brain science and juvenile justice policymaking. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 23(4), 410–420. https://doi.org/10.1037/law0000128Links to an external site.

Butts, J. A., & Mears, D. P. (2001). Reviving Juvenile Justice in a Get-Tough Era. Youth & Society, 33(2), 169-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/0044118X01033002003Links to an external site.

Bishop, D. M., & Feld, B. C. (2011). Trends in juvenile justice policy and practice. In B. Feld and D. Bishop (eds), The Oxford handbook of juvenile crime and juvenile justice. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195385106.013.0035Links to an external site.

Links to an external site.

OJJDP (1999). Juvenile Justice: A century of change. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/178995.pdfLinks to an external site. 

OJJDP (2022). Arrests of youth declined through 2020.  https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/snapshots/DataSnapshot_UCR2020.pdfLinks to an external site