Reserch of Juvenile Crime

The public's fear of crime, including juvenile crime, is a major concern for policymakers. In California, and throughout the nation, nightly news programs often begin their broadcasts with accounts of violent crime committed by juveniles. The Legislature and the Governor have enacted numerous laws to address the public's concerns about juvenile crime. Despite these efforts, polls show that the public continues to see crime as one of the most pressing problems in society. In January 1994, …

…housed with adults. Legal Categories of Juvenile Offenders.Juvenile offenders are generally placed in one of four legal categories depending primarily on the seriousness of the offense committed (see page 6). Two of these categories ("criminal offenders" and "juveniles remanded to superior court") are for juveniles who have committed adult-like crimes. The other categories ("informal probationers" and "status offenders") are for youth who have committed less serious offenses or offenses unique to juveniles, like curfew violations.