CJ 471 Juvenile Justice

Course Description

The course expands on CJ 470 by examining in greater detail critical contemporary issues in the American juvenile justice system including issues that include due process, youth behavior, economic influences, brain science, effective interventions, incarceration, adult court prosecution and recent reform efforts.

• CJ 471 Course Outline
• CJ 471 Topics and Readings

Course Goals

The general learning objectives of this course include the development of critical thinking, respect of different viewpoints, and ability to gather and analyze information. Discipline-specific learning goals include promoting an understanding of major theories, research findings, legal principles and the complexities of reform. Through this class the student should achieve a deeper understanding of the social-political context of law, social policy, and practice and understand the relationship between theory and practice.

Course Format

The primary instructional method is lecture and discussion. Students are expected to read and consider assigned readings prior to each class. Students are encouraged to express their views.

Required Reading 

The following books are required and can be purchased at the bookstore.

• Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in American Society. Randall Shelden

Additional readings will be provided by the instructor. 

Updated PowerPoint Presentations

• Due Process
• The Roots of Poverty
• African American Children and the Juvenile Justice System in the 19th Century
• Race and Ethnic Discrimination Against Youth in American History
• Analysis of Youth Gangs
• Juveniles in Adult Courts and Prisons
• Institutionalization of Juvenile Justice
• 21st Century Juvenile Justice Reform

Additional PowerPoint Presentations

• The Double Standard of Juvenile Justice
• The Roots of Juvenile Delinquency
• Female Delinquency

Schedule of Readings

The last section of this syllabus contains the reading assignments and topics by date. Please read the assigned materials prior to the class.

Grading

Grades are based on three objective exams that must be taken on the day they are administered. Failure to take an exam on the scheduled day will result in a grade reduction OR FAILURE.

Extra Credit

An optional writing project is available for extra credit.

Office Hours

Instructor office hours are detailed above. Additional times can be arranged by appointment.