Criminal Justice: Juvenile Justice Seminar*

Description:

In this seminar we will explore current issues relating to children who come into conflict with the criminal law. Matters considered will include: the history of juvenile justice, the goal(s) of juvenile justice; the demographics of juvenile offending; international standards; national standards; different models operating within the U.S. and elsewhere; and sentencing. We will explore questions like what rights do and should juveniles have within the criminal justice system? Should they be treated differently to adults? If so, when and why? If not, why not? If juveniles are treated differently, does this enhance or diminish their rights? What other interest merit consideration? How can the various interests be reconciled? How do existing models fare, in the light of these questions? Each student will be required to make a class presentation.

Evaluation is by a paper on a topic in juvenile justice of the student’s choice, subject to approval. It is expected that each student's class presentation will be on the topic of this paper. This seminar is also available for A and B papers. Being approved for an A paper is dependant on selection of an appropriate topic, submission of an outline by the end of September and submission of a draft by November 9. The submission date for the final version of the paper (in all cases) is December 14, 2007. Failure to meet these deadlines will normally preclude a paper from being an A paper.

Meets A or B Writing Requirements

*Typically offered every other year