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Public Opinions of Teen, Classroom, and Formal Court Styles
Juvenile and Family Court Journal (2009)
  • Mark G. Harmon, Western Washington University
  • Kristi M. Lemm
  • Louis G. Lippmann, Western Washington University
Abstract

The present research examined the views of a community sample regarding teen court, classroom court, and formal/traditional court. Participants read vignettes of teen offenders who had committed crimes of high or low severity and were given relatively severe or mild sentences through one of the three courts. Results revealed stronger support for teen court than the other courts, a general preference for harsh sentences, and a preference for match between crime and punishment. The results of this study indicate that teen courts are seen as providing an appropriate means to sentence juvenile offenders and are likely to receive public support for their continued operation.

Keywords
  • Sentences (Criminal procedure) -- United States -- Public opinion,
  • Juvenile courts,
  • Administration of criminal justice,
  • Sentences (Criminal procedure) -- United States -- Evaluation
Publication Date
July, 2009
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 1999-2015 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Citation Information
Mark G. Harmon, Kristi M. Lemm and Louis G. Lippmann. "Public Opinions of Teen, Classroom, and Formal Court Styles" Juvenile and Family Court Journal Vol. 54 Iss. 2 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mark_harmon/5/