Law, Youth and Young Offenders CRIM 210 (3)

An analysis of the definition and control of youthful misconduct in an historical and contemporary context. Attention is focused upon: the social construction of 'juvenile delinquency', the decline of the concept, and the emergence of the concept of the 'young offender'; the Young Offenders Act and related legislation; the growth of the welfare state and the role of social workers in 'policing' youth and families; explanations for the criminal behavior of young persons; state and private sector programs designed to deal with such behavior. Prerequisite: CRIM 101 and CRIM 131.