Blog: Crime

What’s in a Number? Age Considerations in Justice Decisions

By Bridget Murphy, March 23 2017

Research shows that adolescents have a high propensity for engaging in risk taking activities given the significant changes in neurology, biology, and other developmental issues (e.g., social; cultural; familial) they experience. Specifically related to decision-making, science shows the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain is underdeveloped until a young person is well into their 20’s.  With these findings in mind, how should this influence the way we think about key juvenile justice policies and practices like the age of juvenile jurisdiction?

Topics: budget, Connecticut, Crime, Evidence-Based Practices, Illinois, Juvenile Court, Juvenile Justice Reform, macarthur foundation, Prevention, Public Policy, Reclaiming Futures

Does more "youth on the streets" mean more crime?

By Liz Wu, December 26 2011

With a growing youth and immigrant population, one could expect an increase in local crime rates. However, this is often not true. In this short video, CJCJ senior research fellow Mike Males explains why California's crime rate is going down (even with increasing diversity and a large youth population) and why he is optimistic for the future of the golden state's juvenile justice system.

In a recently release policy brief, Dr. Males goes into more detail on the actual numbers of incarcerated youth in California: 

Topics: California, Crime, Juvenile Justice Reform, No bio box