Akron Law Student Publications

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Over the past two decades, juvenile arrests have declined sharply nationwide. Yet, during this same period, policies and penalties governing youth have grown increasingly punitive. Many lawmakers continue to advance “tough on crime” legislation that subjects all youth in the juvenile justice system to the same level of sanction, regardless of the seriousness of their offense or prior legal history. This article argues that juvenile delinquency should be addressed through individualized assessments of both risk and needs, rather than through uniform punitive measures. Unnecessary or disproportionate court involvement, particularly for low-risk youth, can produce significant short- and long-term harms, disrupt developmental trajectories, and ultimately undermine public safety. The discussion highlights several systemic problems associated with placing low-risk youth on probation and reviews model state policies that have successfully reduced costs and recidivism rates. Adoption of similar reforms can strengthen the rehabilitative mission of juvenile courts, mitigate reoffending, and improve youth outcomes. By diverting misdemeanor-level and low-risk youth from probation, courts can conserve resources and focus supervision efforts where they are most effective, on higher-risk youth whose needs require more intensive intervention.

Publication Title

Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal

Volume

25

Issue

2

First Page

324

Download

Included in

Juvenile Law Commons

Share

COinS