A Criminal Justice Education Opens Up Many Doors

A child-saving movement in the juvenile court system was in place before the seventies for those children that were victims of abuse, neglect, or those growing up in disadvantaged households. Courts made an effort to save juveniles from a life of crime because of the circumstances surrounding their upbringing. They concentrated more on getting juveniles the guidance they needed to get themselves straight rather than punishing them. Find a course that you want to learn from absolutely free at Test Drive Online College.

Part of the child-saving movement involved the courts not placing juveniles in jail, but instead in a group home or in halfway houses. When the juvenile becomes an adult, the court releases them. Then in the mid 1960's, the courts moved away from saving the child to holding the juvenile accountable. They used two elements in determining the punishment for juvenile crime, both based on competency levels.

Depending upon the crime, courts determine if a juvenile possesses the understanding on the same level as an adult regarding a violent crime that results in an injury to another. Opinions varied on at what age a child is legally competent of committing a violent crime. Some argued that juveniles had rights under the constitution against cruel and unusual punishment, which is, treating them as an adult. The law left the decision up to the individual states to determine at what age juveniles should receive an adult punishment for their crimes. Enrolling in criminal justice classes will provide you with the material you need to get into law enforcement.

Students will learn about the court system's procedures regarding the handling of juveniles when they attend an Introduction to Criminal Justice class. Those concerned with the number of juveniles committing crimes may consider a career in the criminal justice system, working in juvenile court. Getting a criminal justice masters degree will advance your career further.