juvenile justice system
Coverage of juvenile justice system in the Nexus archive.
- States split on whether juvenile justice should prioritize punishment or rehabilitation
More than half a dozen states, including Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, and Utah, have passed new juvenile justice laws this year, with some focusing on rehabilitation and diversion from incarceration while others impose stricter penalties. Research highlights the increased reoffending risk for youth incarcerated in adult prisons, influencing debates over trauma-informed approaches and legal reforms.
- Vermont eyes South Burlington for new youth facility. A state advocate calls it a ‘detention center.’
Vermont plans to build a 14-bed locked facility called the Green Mountain Youth Center in South Burlington to replace the closed Woodside Youth Rehabilitation Center, which faced abuse allegations and a $4.5 million lawsuit. State child advocate Matthew Bernstein criticizes the facility as a 'detention center' and argues for more investment in preventive programs rather than institutional solutions.
- Three in four teenage rapists have been spared prison in the past five years, figures show
Figures show that 75% of teenage rapists have avoided prison sentences over the past five years, raising concerns about justice and sentencing for juvenile sexual offenses.
- Boy, 16, to be tried as adult for beating adoptive mother to death with hammer at Oklahoma mansion after she made him live as orange jumpsuit clad prisoner to punish his bad behavior
A 16-year-old boy will be tried as an adult for murdering his adoptive mother with a hammer in an Oklahoma mansion. The incident occurred after the mother enforced strict punishment by making him live in an orange jumpsuit as a form of discipline.
- Private school boys, aged 15, have gang sex attack prosecution paused by judge over concerns they should not be tried as adults
A prosecution against two 15-year-old private school boys accused of gang sexual assault has been paused by a judge due to concerns about whether they should be tried as adults. The judicial decision reflects questions about appropriate legal procedures for minors in serious criminal cases.