Comparison of the Juvenile Justice System to the
Criminal Justice System
Introduction
For this assignment, you will use psychological and sociological criminology theories to explain
juvenile delinquent behavior. Read the scenario of a 15-year-old juvenile offender and a 25-year-
old offender that have both been arrested for burglary and complete the template at the end of this
activity.
Meet John & Ron
John and Ron live in the same neighborhood. The neighborhood is known to have high crime rates.
John is 15 and Ron is 25. John is impressionable, struggling to finish high school, and enjoys
hanging out with 25-year-old Ron. John sees Ron as a role model as John does not have many
strong male role models in his life. Ron has frequently been in and out of trouble with the law
for a variety of reasons.
One day, Ron talks John into helping him break into a house in the neighborhood. John knows
that this action is wrong, and he could get into trouble for this, but he does not want to let Ron
down. John ultimately makes the choice to follow along with what Ron wants him to do. The
house that is broken into has a security camera and the police are able to identify John and Ron.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the scenario involving the 15-year-old juvenile offender and the 25-year-
old offender that have both been arrested for burglary, download the template below and provide
complete responses to the questions before submitting your assignment. Your responses should
demonstrate original thoughts and commentary.
1. Explain the differences and similarities between how the 15-year-old is treated in the
juvenile justice system and the 25-year-old is treated in the adult criminal justice
system.
2. Explain three alternatives to detention that would be available for the juvenile
offender.
3. Describe how it would benefit the juvenile to remain within the community as opposed to
being placed in a detention center.
Criminal Justice System
Introduction
For this assignment, you will use psychological and sociological criminology theories to explain
juvenile delinquent behavior. Read the scenario of a 15-year-old juvenile offender and a 25-year-
old offender that have both been arrested for burglary and complete the template at the end of this
activity.
Meet John & Ron
John and Ron live in the same neighborhood. The neighborhood is known to have high crime rates.
John is 15 and Ron is 25. John is impressionable, struggling to finish high school, and enjoys
hanging out with 25-year-old Ron. John sees Ron as a role model as John does not have many
strong male role models in his life. Ron has frequently been in and out of trouble with the law
for a variety of reasons.
One day, Ron talks John into helping him break into a house in the neighborhood. John knows
that this action is wrong, and he could get into trouble for this, but he does not want to let Ron
down. John ultimately makes the choice to follow along with what Ron wants him to do. The
house that is broken into has a security camera and the police are able to identify John and Ron.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the scenario involving the 15-year-old juvenile offender and the 25-year-
old offender that have both been arrested for burglary, download the template below and provide
complete responses to the questions before submitting your assignment. Your responses should
demonstrate original thoughts and commentary.
1. Explain the differences and similarities between how the 15-year-old is treated in the
juvenile justice system and the 25-year-old is treated in the adult criminal justice
system.
2. Explain three alternatives to detention that would be available for the juvenile
offender.
3. Describe how it would benefit the juvenile to remain within the community as opposed to
being placed in a detention center.
