The Continuation of the Get Tough Policy Era In Juvenile Justice Systems
Abstract
This research topic came forth through my experience and work at the Kalamazoo
County Juvenile Home. This experience began my interest in juvenile justice. This
topic is important because it is addressing the "get tough" policy era, and how the
remaining pieces of its legislation is still having a strong impact on juvenile lifers
today, despite Supreme Court cases that have tried to protect juveniles. It displays a
gap in research regarding "get tough"· policy today because many believe the era is
over due to the lower levels of crime.