,CMY2603 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE MARCH 2025; 100% TRUSTED
Complete, trusted solutions and explanations
2 ANSWERS PROVIDED FOR EACH QUESTION
1. Explain why status offences such as consuming alcohol,
running away from home, truancy, and smoking, affect the
nature of child and youth misbehaviour.
The Impact of Status Offences on the Nature of Child and
Youth Misbehavior
Introduction
Child and youth misbehavior is often characterized by a range of
activities or actions that deviate from societal norms or legal
expectations. While some behaviors are universally understood
as criminal acts (e.g., theft, assault, vandalism), there are also a
category of offenses that are specific to individuals under a
certain age—these are known as status offenses. Status offenses
include activities such as consuming alcohol, running away from
home, truancy, and smoking. These offenses are typically
defined by the fact that they are only illegal because the
individual engaging in the behavior is under the age of majority
(often 18 years old). While these acts may not be criminal if
committed by an adult, the involvement of youth in such
behaviors raises significant concerns for their development,
well-being, and integration into society. This essay will critically
examine how status offenses affect the nature of child and youth
misbehavior, focusing on the social, psychological, and
developmental implications of such acts.
, The Nature of Status Offenses
Status offenses are behaviors that are considered violations of
societal rules but are illegal only because of the minor’s age.
They do not involve the direct violation of laws meant to protect
others (as is the case with crimes like theft or assault). Instead,
they involve activities that society deems inappropriate or
harmful for minors to engage in due to their age, often because
such behaviors are associated with maturity, responsibility, and
adulthood. Some of the most common examples of status
offenses include:
Consuming alcohol or drugs: Underage drinking or drug
use is illegal because minors are considered too young to be
responsible for the consequences of these substances, both
on their health and their ability to make informed decisions.
Running away from home: A child leaving home without
parental consent is often classified as a status offense,
reflecting concerns about the child's safety and well-being.
Truancy: Skipping school or failing to attend school
regularly is illegal for minors because education is seen as a
fundamental right and responsibility for young people.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco is typically prohibited for
minors due to the health risks involved and the assumption
that minors lack the judgment to understand the long-term
consequences.
While these behaviors may seem trivial in isolation, when
considered collectively, they shed light on deeper societal
concerns about youth development, maturity, and the transition
from childhood to adulthood.
Semester 1 2025 - DUE MARCH 2025; 100% TRUSTED
Complete, trusted solutions and explanations
2 ANSWERS PROVIDED FOR EACH QUESTION
1. Explain why status offences such as consuming alcohol,
running away from home, truancy, and smoking, affect the
nature of child and youth misbehaviour.
The Impact of Status Offences on the Nature of Child and
Youth Misbehavior
Introduction
Child and youth misbehavior is often characterized by a range of
activities or actions that deviate from societal norms or legal
expectations. While some behaviors are universally understood
as criminal acts (e.g., theft, assault, vandalism), there are also a
category of offenses that are specific to individuals under a
certain age—these are known as status offenses. Status offenses
include activities such as consuming alcohol, running away from
home, truancy, and smoking. These offenses are typically
defined by the fact that they are only illegal because the
individual engaging in the behavior is under the age of majority
(often 18 years old). While these acts may not be criminal if
committed by an adult, the involvement of youth in such
behaviors raises significant concerns for their development,
well-being, and integration into society. This essay will critically
examine how status offenses affect the nature of child and youth
misbehavior, focusing on the social, psychological, and
developmental implications of such acts.
, The Nature of Status Offenses
Status offenses are behaviors that are considered violations of
societal rules but are illegal only because of the minor’s age.
They do not involve the direct violation of laws meant to protect
others (as is the case with crimes like theft or assault). Instead,
they involve activities that society deems inappropriate or
harmful for minors to engage in due to their age, often because
such behaviors are associated with maturity, responsibility, and
adulthood. Some of the most common examples of status
offenses include:
Consuming alcohol or drugs: Underage drinking or drug
use is illegal because minors are considered too young to be
responsible for the consequences of these substances, both
on their health and their ability to make informed decisions.
Running away from home: A child leaving home without
parental consent is often classified as a status offense,
reflecting concerns about the child's safety and well-being.
Truancy: Skipping school or failing to attend school
regularly is illegal for minors because education is seen as a
fundamental right and responsibility for young people.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco is typically prohibited for
minors due to the health risks involved and the assumption
that minors lack the judgment to understand the long-term
consequences.
While these behaviors may seem trivial in isolation, when
considered collectively, they shed light on deeper societal
concerns about youth development, maturity, and the transition
from childhood to adulthood.
