Extra Credit-Due 10AM on 5/10- Boot Camps

This blog is optional and is worth 5 points.
Several years ago, the use of boot camps took the juvenile court by storm. They are short term, inexpensive, and generally described as a terrific sentencing option. Now that they have been in use for some time, evidence is now available about their success.

Read the information in the text about boot camps and answer the following question.
If you were a juvenile court judge, would you use boot camps as a sentencing option? Explain your answer, using information in the text to support your decision (include one quote from the text to support your decision).

Sending Juveniles to Adult Court (Remote-Due 5/3 at 4:00)

Harry Lawanorder is a State Representative working on new legislation concerning juveniles. He is a firm believer that in order to stop offenders from committing more crimes, the only answer is transferring more juveniles to adult court. He is absolutely convinced that by doing so, juveniles will 'get the message' and juvenile crime will lessen. He has asked for your opinion since you are now becoming a juvenile justice expert.

1. After reading chapter 14, particularly about transferring juveniles to adult court, what advice would you give to the representative about his vision for lessening juvenile crime (write this blog in memeo form-from you to Harry) ? Make sure you sure you give him the total picture about the good and bad of this transfer process.

2. What is your view of this practice? Include a quote from the text that supports your view.

Gangs in Philadelphia? (Remote, due 4/12 at 2PM-5 points)

In recent years there has been much discussion about violence committed by young people in Philadelphia. When this violence takes place in groups there also arises a discussion about gangs in our city. While some media folks and others say there are gangs, our Police Commissioner has stated otherwise.and in fact, has stated there are no gangs in Philadelphia.

What we learn from this chapter is that making a decision about the existence of gangs depends on the definition you are using. After you have read chapter 8 and reviewed the various definitions of gangs on page 239, respond to the following assignment.
Using two of those definitions of gangs, decide if their are gangs in our city (according to the particular definintions and your personal observations). Be specific about the content of each definition and be specific as to why you think there are or are not gangs in Philadelphia. Since the definitions vary, with one definition you may say yes, with another you may say no, but you need an explanation based on each definition.

Why Join Gangs? (Remote Session Due 4/12 at 2PM-5 points)

In the text there are various theoretical explanations as to why young people join gangs. Explain which theory makes the most sense and why. Be specific explaining what parts of the theory appeal to you (at least two paragraphs).

Which theory makes the least sense? Again, explain why you chose this theory.

5. Viewpoint (due 2:00, 2/20) 5 points

After reading chapter 5 answer the two questions from the viewpoint section that begins on page 166. Remember, this assignment is about information, not opinion.

4. Chapter 5 (Due 2:00, 2/20) 5 points

First read the chapter 5 about Developmental Theories. Many Developmental Theories suggest that delinquent behavior is not a 'one shot deal' but is a dynamic process. According to this view, children are affected by individual characteristics as well as social experiences and that these social experiences continue throughout the person's life.There are two questions below having to do with information in this chapter, answer both (number both of your responses).
1. In your own words, describe Problem Behavior Syndrome. Why would this information be of value to those in the field of juvenile delinquency?

2. If bad behavior is explained by multiple problems (Problem Behavior Syndrome), than 'good behavior' may be explained by multiple strengthts. A young person gets a perfect score on the SAT. Without knowing this person, what personal, family and social and enviornmental characteristics do you think he or she would have? Another person is a career criminal. What personal, family, and social characteristics would he or she have?

#3. (Last Name A-L) Rational Choice? (due 2/8 at 11:30)

If your last name begins with A-L, complete this blog.
Read the Viewpoint section again on page 29 about Nathaniel B. Go back over the section in chapter 3 that discusses rational delinquents.
From the little that we know about Nathaniel B, is he a 'rational delinquent'?
Explain your answer (include elements of rational choice). (5 points)

#3. (Last Name M-Z) IQ Controversy (Thursday 2/8 at 11:30)

If your last name begins with M-Z, complete this blog.
The argument that there is a link between IQ and delinquency has existed since the 1920's. However the argument has changed somewhat.
1.First explain the earlier arguments about the link between IQ and delinquency.
2.Then summarize the current discussion about the link between IQ and delinquency, including any examples of evidence (research, data, etc.).
3.What is your opinion about the current view about the link between IQ and delinquency, is there a link between low IQ and delinquency? (5 points)

#2. Parens Patriae (Due 2/1 before class-5 points)

In chapter 1 we learn that the phrase 'parens patriae' is very significant in the development of juvenile court.

1. What is the significance of the phrase in the history of juvenile court and the legal responsibilities of juveniles? Include a sentence from the text that helps answer this question.

2. Does this mean that every juvenile committing any type of crime can expect a lesser sanction? Give an example of a juvenile committing a crime where they may not have the benefit of 'parens patriae".

#1. Nathaniel B. (2.5 points) Due prior to class on 1/30

First read the viewpoint section on page 29. Then answer the questions at the end of that section. Please number your answers 1-4).