Juvenile Delinquency | Forensic science
Introduction: Juvenile Delinquency
Meaning of Juvenile Delinquency
Negative behavior in children and teenagers that usually causes crimes or illegal behaviors is referred to as juvenile delinquency. It is sometimes referred to as juvenile offending or youth criminality. A person under the age of eighteen who commits an offense for which an adult charge would be appropriate is considered a juvenile delinquent. The trial procedure is determined by the nature and seriousness of the offense. Courts and juvenile detention facilities are two examples of the mechanisms that legal systems normally have in place for handling adolescents.
Types of Juvenile Delinquency
Moffitt's 2006 Research
Juvenile offenses' severity and intensity are influenced by cultural, economic, and social conditions in a country. Root causes are found at various levels of social structure, including social groups, organizations, institutions, society, and interpersonal relations. Juvenile choice to adopt delinquent careers is regulated by various factors
A.1 Economic and social factors
Economic and social development problems, such as political instability, deteriorating institutions, and economic crises, are the cause of juvenile misbehavior. These problems—such as unemployment and poor income—often cause young people to act in an antisocial manner, emphasizing the necessity for workable solutions.
A.2 Sex differences
Young men most commonly commit juvenile offences. Feminist theorists have examined the reason behind this. One probable outcome is that ideas of masculinity make young males more probable to commit an offence. Being aggressive, powerful, tough, competitive & daring has become a mode of expressing their masculinity. While acting out on these ideals, young men become more likely to engage in criminal & antisocial behavior. Aggressive behaviours & traits are further reinforced by the treatment received by the young men due to their masculinity. Alternatively, generally young men are naturally more daring, aggressive & prone to risktaking. According to a study led by criminologist Kevin M. Beaver (Florida State University), it was found that variation in a specific gene makes adolescent males more likely to get indulge into delinquent peers. The study, published in the Journal of Genetic Psychology (Sep-2008), firstly established a statistically significant link between 10- repeat allele of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) & affinity for antisocial peer groups.
A.3 Cultural factors
Deviant Conduct: Violation of Social Standards
• Participation in criminal, rebellious, and deviant behavior;
• Destructive changes to social reality.
A4. Urbanization
Geographical analysis shows that crime rates are higher in countries with urbanized populations compared to those with strong rural lifestyles and communities. This is due to differences in social control and social cohesion. Rural groups typically rely on community control and family to address anti-social behavior, while industrialized urban societies use formal judicial and legal measures, leading to higher crime rates.
A5. Racial differences
Juvenile Offenders Are Affected by Racial Differences
• Teens of Black and Latino descent are more prone to commit juvenile crimes.
• Low parental supervision, poverty, low socioeconomic level, involvement in
rebellious peer groups, and strict parenting are among the contributing
factors.
A6. Exclusion
The growing income gap between the rich and poor is causing a rise in youth crime, exacerbated by obstacles, social ties, unemployment, and identity crises, exacerbating the exclusion of poor individuals.
A7. Family
Parental Supervision and Juvenile Delinquency
• Proper parental supervision reduces criminal activity in children.
• Family conflicts, weak internal linkages, and inadequate control linked to
juvenile delinquency.
• Economically backward families face increased risk of social exclusion.
A8. The media
Research Highlights Violent Games' Impact on Teenagers
• Violent games lead to aggressive behavior in teenagers.
• 8-12 year-old boys more influenced by such factors.
A9. Peer influence
Peer groups significantly influence youth's inclination towards criminal behavior, with delinquent gang membership becoming a crucial part of adulthood. These primary associations increase an individual's susceptibility to the criminal mentality.
A10. Migration
Immigrants often occupy marginalized society spaces, seeking comfort in their own environment and culture due to limited success chances. Cultural differences and norms can lead to cultural conflicts, which are major contributors to criminal behavior.
B Theories of Crime Applicable to Juvenile Delinquency
B1. Social disorganization
Present positivist approaches typically concentrate on society's culture. It is a criminological hypothesis ascribing to variety in misconduct and wrongdoing over the long haul and among areas that lead to the disintegration or absence of social institutions (such as families, schools, and social groups (including the church) and social connections that aimed to support agreeable connections
B2. Rational choice
Classical Criminology Overview
• Believes crime causes lie within the offender.
• Rational choice theory exemplifies this idea.
• Rational self-interest motivates offenders.
• Emphasizes personal responsibility and free will.
B3. Strain
Strain Theory and Youth Crime
B4. Labeling
Interactionism in Criminology
• Theory explains social context of deviant behavior.
• Part of interactionism criminology.
• Labels young, likely to offend, as criminals.
• Explains male children from poor families' deviance.
B5. Differential association
Theory on Youth Crime
• Examines group dynamics and influence of gangs and peer pressure.
• Highlights that criminal friends increase crime rates.
• Questions the origin of delinquent peer groups.
B6. Social control
Law against Juvenile Delinquency
