Reaffirming Juvenile Justice: From Gault to Montgomery

By: Alida V. Merlo and Peter J. Benekos

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Synopsis: This book will expand students’ knowledge and understanding of the evolution of juvenile justice in the last 50 years. Designed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the landmark case In re Gault, which the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1967, the authors provide a brief history of juvenile justice, then frame the developments and transformations that have occurred in the intervening years. Topics covered include an overview of the dramatic changes to the field following the spike in youth violence in the 1990s, the "superpredator" myth, zero-tolerance policies, and sanctions for juvenile offenders—particularly the 2005 abolition of the death penalty and subsequent decision on life without parole. The book also covers child and youth victimization and trauma, and recent prevention and treatment initiatives. Designed for upper-level undergraduates, this text reflects on the evolving U.S. juvenile justice system while anticipating future challenges and trends. Reaffirming Juvenile Justice illustrates how ideology, media, and politics shape policy and how it can evolve.