Juvenile courts work with differing goals, low technology, and financial volatility. As a result, the courts are unable to execute their mandates effectively. At times, the juvenile courts take long to arbitrate some litigation, which amounts to the postponement of justice. Butts, Cusick, and Adams (2009) identify numerous benefits of accelerating the processing of juvenile offenders. According to Butts et al. (2009), delaying the handling of juvenile delinquents renders the punishment ineffective. In return, the minors are likely to repeat the same crime in the future. Researchers maintain that there is a correlation between the speed of processing juvenile offenders and behavioral change. Instituting swift punishment on youths results in behavioral change. The kids associate the retribution with their behavior, thus prompting them to change. This paper will discuss the reasons for accelerating the processing of juvenile offenders.
Reasons for Acceleration
According to Butts et al. (2009), expediting the handling of juvenile delinquents would facilitate timely disposition of charges. In return, it would help to eliminate trials that not only consume a lot of time but also are expensive. Appropriate execution of charges ensures that the justice is served for crimes committed. Such a move acts as deterrence to other juveniles who might think of committing similar crimes. Failure to process juvenile offenders on time may result in the perpetrator turning recidivist before the court has even solved the initial problem. A study in Phoenix revealed that over 38% of juveniles are re-arrested before the courts make the final judgment of their previous cases. In other words, “delaying the processing of juvenile offenders guarantees that many youths will receive no sanctions or court-ordered services until after the next offense” (Butts et al., 2009, p. 13). Accelerating the processing of juvenile offenders helps the court to accomplish the objective of early intercession and rehabilitation.
Speeding up the processing of juvenile delinquents enhances the effectiveness of punishment. According to Butts et al. (2009), a delayed punishment does not have severe retributive and deterrent effect. Handling cases efficiently helps to prevent the juveniles from committing the same crime in the future. A study in Europe found that a placid, but efficient retribution was the “most effective behavioral deterrent for adolescents” (Butts et al., 2009, p. 15). Researchers argue that there is a correlation between the alacrity of retribution and its effects on behavior. Butts et al. (2009) maintain that it is important to have immediate punishment on the offenders to shape the future actions of the juvenile. Youths are likely to associate a punishment with their aberrant behaviors if it is served judiciously. Accelerating the processing of young offenders would guarantee better results for the families, the youth as well as the society. Butts et al. (2009) argue that prolonging the judgment procedure may interfere with the outcome. It would be hard for the offenders to aid in their defense.
Delaying the processing of juvenile delinquents obstructs the overall effectiveness of the judicial system. The excessive delay may result in the court handing a lenient sentence on the offender. In return, it would be hard for the perpetrators to pay for their actions. Additionally, delaying the processing of youth offenders may lead to case backlogs that would impede the court from pursuing full trials.
Conclusion
Accelerating the processing of juvenile delinquents facilitates behavioral changes. Additionally, it boosts the effectiveness of the court. Failure to expedite the handling of youth offenders may result in the court passing light sentence on criminals. In return, it would be hard to prevent children from engaging in crimes.
Reference
Butts, J., Cusick, G., & Adams, B. (2009). Delays in youth justice. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.