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.