Free The Rise of Juvenile Delinquency Essay Sample
Juvenile delinquency refers to the crime committed by teens. Hence, in social justice system as well as in criminal justice framework, the worst crimes committed by young boys i.e. under 18 - come into the definition of juvenile delinquency. Mostly juvenile delinquencies are committed by the mental disordered or behaviorally ill teens.
An Event from News
William Lee reporter Chicago Tribute reported a juvenile delinquency incident on October 24, 2011. According to his report “2 teens charged in iPhone robbery on ‘L’ platform.” These two 14 year old boys were charged for having BB gun to rob a woman. However, the boys were finally arrested by the policemen and presented before the court. This event is only one from hundred that occur everyday.
Two Theories
Two learning theories developed by the learned/scholars have been discussed below.
Ronal Akers “Social learning theory” depicts the idea of “A differential association-reinforcement theory of criminal behavior.” For reinforcement theory Akers used the operant psychology which denotes the notion, that behavior is the function of its consequences. Therefore, the mental disorder and behaviorally illness or any other influences could be the consequences of specific behavior.
Bandura defines his “Social learning theory” as the “observational learning.” It stress on learning from other people. Moreover, he identified that people do not imitate all behaviors that they observe. But, they only imitate a model behavior, if they think they will be rewarded or at least not punished for doing so.
- Why the specific criminal event or activity that you chose occurred.
The activity that I choose occurred due to childish behavior or it might be because of behaviorally illness. Reason behind is the two presented in the report are so young. They never thought of it what they were going to do. However, the childishness and or ill behavior would be the cause of occurrence. - How each theory can be used to predict and prevent the likelihood of a similar crime occurring in the future?
Both theories could be much helpful for prevention of similar crime. First theory Ronal Akers “A differential association-reinforcement theory of criminal behavior” could help to find out the fact behind the juveniles criminal mind. And, the second theory could help to give them best ideal for preventing the criminal mindset.
Suggestions that each theory would probably give on how to process this offender through the criminal justice system (i.e. death penalty, life sentence, community supervision, treatment orientation or punitive orientation, and so on)
The two juvenile culprits presented in the above defined event report are quite teen. Therefore, these two must get one chance to make them better human. I must suggest that these two offenders should have community supervision that will investigate the reasons behind their culprit mindset with the learning theory of Akers. At the same time, community supervision should give them an ideal for changing their mindset by the learning theory of Bandura.