Theoretical and Policy Considerations

Abstract

Public concern about juvenile justice and the apparently alarming rates of juvenile violence has reached a point of greater public policy significance than at any time in the last decade. Hardly a week goes by without the national media reporting on some violent episode involving juveniles somewhere across the country. Crime, especially juvenile crime, has not only captured the public’s attention but has also preoccupied legislative bodies at all levels of government. The 103rd Congress passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (P.L. 103–322) which ushered in sweeping changes in federal criminal law, including changes pertinent to juveniles.