Description
Book SynopsisIn 2003, when he was sixteen, Terrence Graham and three other teens attempted to rob a barbeque restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida. Though they left with no money, and no one was seriously injured, Terrence was sentenced to die in prison for his involvement in that crime.As shocking as Terrence''s sentence sounds, it is merely a symptom of contemporary American juvenile justice practices. Today in this country, adolescents are routinely transferred out of juvenile court and into adult criminal court without any judicial oversight. Once in adult court, children can be sentenced without regard for their youth. Juveniles are housed in adult correctional facilities; they may be held in solitary confinement; and they experience the highest rates of sexual and physical assault among inmates. Until 2005, children convicted in America''s courts were subject to the death penalty; today, they still may be sentenced to die in prison - no matter what efforts they make to rehabilitate themselves.
Trade ReviewConcluding with Drinan's suggested reforms to the juvenile justice system as it exists in America, The War on Kids accomplishes its stated ends. Drinan successfully articulates and explains, through the use of empirical data and real-world examples, the shortcomings of American juvenile justice. * Kamryn Gallardo, Journal of Youth and Adolescence *
this book is highly recommended for readers who are interested in an accessible yet comprehensive book about the juvenile justice system in the U.S. * Rong Bai and Robert Fischer, Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare *
This is a well-written book that conveys the harsh reality of criminal justice practices and legal doctrines in a way accessible to non-lawyers and the broader public. * Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: Pioneer to Pariah: The Arc of American Juvenile Justice Chapter Two: Crime as a Child's Destiny Chapter Three: Legal and Policy Paths to Juvenile Incarceration Chapter Four: Life While Down Chapter Five: Progress and Hope from the Nation's High Court Chapter Six: The Uneven and Unpredictable Path of Implementation Chapter Seven: A War for Kids
