July 03, 2009
The Juvenile Justice System on TV: Lake County, Indiana
The Juvenile Justice System on TV: Lake County, Indiana
About six weeks ago, I noted that MSNBC was going to air six episodes on the Lake County, Indiana juvenile justice system on its show, "Lockup."
In an unusual move, the judge in Lake County gave MSNBC full access to film the youth. I haven't seen the show, but here's a local review [removed because of dead link]. You can catch a riveting -- and heartbreaking -- 5-minute trailer for "Lake County Juvenile Justice here.
Has anyone had a chance to see the actual show? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought.
I have seen this show and that is what I went to school for. It is excellent and if it changes one person then it is succeeding. I think it is phenomenal and I would like to someday work there. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice to work there and I am 53 yrs. old. Someone has to care and make a difference in these children's lives. The ones everyone throws away or give up on. It was my calling and one day it will come true.
One simple question and i hope get a good answer>
SHOULD JUNENILES BE TRIED AS ADULTS??
Hi Idali - There's a two-part answer. Most of the research I've seen says they should not be tried as adults in most situations. For one thing, their brains are still maturing, and they are not as competent to make good choices; for another, there's a fair amount of evidence that imprisoning them with adults makes them particularly vulnerable to sexual assault and other abuse. And though I can't put my finger on one right now, there are studies that have indicated that youth tried as adults are more likely to commit new crimes than youth tried for the same crimes as juveniles.
However, a very large study done of "serious" juvenile offenders found that youth tried for person-to-person crimes in adult court *did* have lower rates of re-arrest, whereas youth tried for property crimes in adult court had *higher* rates of re-arrest. Which seems to suggest -- other considerations aside -- that some youth should be tried as adults.
Hope that helps.
It's March of 2010 and I am watching this show for the first time. Jamie Banandish? - The one talked about getting along with the kids. Needs to be cloned. Every city in every county needs staff like her on every level.
I WANT TO ESPECIALLY COMMEND THIS ONE YOUNG MAN NAMED RODRICK I WATCHED THE EPISODE WITH HIM AND HIS STORY OF BEING IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME AND WAS CHARGED FOR SOMETHING THAT HE DID NOT DO ALTHOUGH HE HAD A PREVIOUS REP HE WAS DETERMINED TO CHANGE HIS LIFE HIS STORY WAS VERY TOUCHING I WAS CONVINCED JUST BY HIS STORY AND WHEN THE JUDGE RELEASED ONE DAY BEFORE HE TURNED 18 WAS AMAZING AND HE WENT ON TO PURSUE IS DREAM OF BEING AN ELECTRICIAN IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES AND SOME BAD CHOICES AT TIMES BUT WHEN GOD IS FOR U WHO CAN BE AGAINST GOD BLESS RODRICK AN HIS FAM AND CONTINUED SUCCESS.
I don't know the one supervisor(guard) who;s on the show I can't remember her name..Wasn't aware that she was a woman in the beginning (PLZ accept my apology) for that but she seems to be the one to me who has more of a positive affect on them that the others! ALL I ever see her do is commend theses kids, lift them up, & tell them they can DO IT! I wish I knew her name & had someone like that to encourage me when I was in & out of the Juvenile system when I was young! I'm 47 Now & had NOONE that cared about me AT ALL! Tell her Thank you for doing a GREAT JOB ENCOURAGING these kids!
Pam Foshee,
Ocala, Fla
Pam, her name is Jamie and yes, she's wonderful with the kids. Your personal story is touching. Many kids go through what you went through. Sounds like you would be a wonderful mentor to a lot of kids who guidance and support. Tonight's new episode is also a very important one. hope you will tune in at 10pm ET.
The show is awesome by the way, I have been following it religiously. It gives us real insight on our current juvenile justice system. Although, I do have a question. On the 2nd episode during the beginning, there was an interview with I think it was Aaron (the guy who loves to steal cars) there was a background tune playing that sounded a bit New Age style with an electric guitar. I have heard that tune before on other shows and on XM radio. Who is the composer of that tune?
Thanks all for the comments about the show. Coming up this Saturday July 11th on an all new episode of Lake County Juvenile Justice is the haunting story of Aaron -- a teen teetering on the edge of being waived to adult court and just how complicated that situation can become for a young adult. We also feature the stories of Ayryana and Marie, two young girls who have faced more than most teenagers can imagine.
I watched the first episode and it was awesome. It's a really good look into both the juvenile justice system (which you don't often get to see) as well as the back story on each kid they show. It's an awesome show so far and I plan on watching every episode.
Great job to Calamari Productions and kudos to Judge Bonaventura for allowing the world to see what really goes on in the juvenile justice system. Great show and I highly recommend it.
I watch the show often at night. I did watch an episode tonight in the Lake County Juv. Fac. I feel it is productive. More of our youth in Lake County should watch and see how things can end up if they make certain choices. There was one individual who showed remorse. The mother even said the boys need the help. If youth see that their mothers might do the same thing and become ward of the court. Would it help them think before they act?
We here at Calamari Productions executive produced the Lake County Juvenile Justice series for MSNBC. Yes, we're biased, but the stories told in this series are the most powerful on TV. We're honored the Indiana Supreme Court and Chief Justice Randall Shepard granted Calamari the extraordinary access to film in these otherwise closed confines. For a more detailed look at this series log on to www.calamariproductions.com. Stay tuned every Saturday night at 10pm ET for all new episodes of "Lake County Juvenile Justice" and feel free to give us your feedback. Your voice counts!
Ireally enjoyed episode 6 can someone tell me what ever happen to Michael?? He seem to be on the right track at the end but any updates?