What was the stubborn child law?

Enacted in 1646 by Puritans in Massachusetts, it made child disobedience a capital offense.

When was the first juvenile court established?

The first juvenile court was established in 1899 in Chicago by child savers.

What significant case led to juveniles getting due process?

The case of Gerald Gault in 1967 led to the Supreme Court ruling that juveniles are entitled to due process.

What did the juvenile offender act of 1978 entail?

Passed in New York City, it allowed trying children as young as 13 in adult courts for serious crimes.

How are racial minorities affected by the juvenile justice system?

Minority children are disproportionately incarcerated and often face harsher penalties.

What reform occurred post-World War II for juvenile courts?

Efforts began to provide juveniles more rights, paralleling adult constitutional rights, initiated by the civil rights movement.

How many juveniles are incarcerated daily in America?

Approximately 53,000 children are incarcerated daily in America.

Who are likely to be tried as adults in the U.S. juvenile system today?

Juveniles committing severe crimes can still be tried and sentenced as adults.

History of the Juvenile Justice System

00:04:48

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8t9idLFWms

Summary

TLDRThe evolution of the juvenile justice system in America has been complex and varied. Initially, children were tried as adults under English common law. In 1646, Massachusetts' stubborn child law allowed the death penalty for disobedient children. During the 19th century, reforms began to treat children as delinquents needing guidance rather than criminals deserving punishment. In 1899, the first juvenile court was established in Chicago. However, racial inequalities persisted, with minorities often receiving harsher treatments. After World War II, juvenile justice began changing, inspired by civil rights activists. In 1967, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of due process for juveniles. During the 70s and following a spike in juvenile crime, states began allowing younger individuals to be tried as adults. Currently, the U.S. incarcerates more juveniles than any other country, with racial minorities disproportionately affected. Despite reforms, only certain adult constitutional rights are extended to minors, and severe offenses still allow for adult court trials.

Takeaways

⚖️ Juveniles were treated as adults in early American law.
📜 Massachusetts' 1646 law punished child disobedience with severity.
🏛️ The first juvenile court was established in 1899 in Chicago.
✊ Racial inequalities have long influenced juvenile justice outcomes.
⚖️ 1967's Supreme Court ruling granted juveniles due process rights.
📈 1970s spike in crime led to trying younger offenders as adults.
🗝️ The U.S. has the highest juvenile incarceration rates globally.
⚖️ Reforms have improved juvenile rights but inequalities persist.

Timeline

00:00:00 - 00:04:48
The video outlines the history and evolution of the juvenile justice system in America. Initially, children were treated as adults under the common law during colonial times, with severe penalties like the death penalty. Change began in the 19th century, with the establishment of the New York House of Refuge in 1825, which aimed to reform juvenile delinquents. The idea spread, leading to the creation of the first juvenile court in Chicago in 1899, which focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, racial disparities persisted, with children of color often facing harsher treatment. The landmark Supreme Court case in 1967 established due process rights for juveniles. In the 1970s, fears of rising crime led to laws allowing juveniles to be tried as adults. Today, the U.S. has the highest juvenile incarceration rates in the world, with racial disparities still prevalent, and debates continue on the balance between juvenile rights and crime deterrence.

Mind Map

Video Q&A

What was the stubborn child law?
Enacted in 1646 by Puritans in Massachusetts, it made child disobedience a capital offense.
When was the first juvenile court established?
The first juvenile court was established in 1899 in Chicago by child savers.
What significant case led to juveniles getting due process?
The case of Gerald Gault in 1967 led to the Supreme Court ruling that juveniles are entitled to due process.
What did the juvenile offender act of 1978 entail?
Passed in New York City, it allowed trying children as young as 13 in adult courts for serious crimes.
How are racial minorities affected by the juvenile justice system?
Minority children are disproportionately incarcerated and often face harsher penalties.
What reform occurred post-World War II for juvenile courts?
Efforts began to provide juveniles more rights, paralleling adult constitutional rights, initiated by the civil rights movement.
How many juveniles are incarcerated daily in America?
Approximately 53,000 children are incarcerated daily in America.
Who are likely to be tried as adults in the U.S. juvenile system today?
Juveniles committing severe crimes can still be tried and sentenced as adults.