How has public opinion on juvenile crime changed over time?

Public opinion on juvenile crime has changed significantly over time. In the past, juveniles were not seen as capable of committing serious offenses, and punishments for juvenile offenders were minimal. This view changed drastically in the 1980s and 1990s when juvenile crime rates began to soar, leaving communities in fear for their safety. The public began to demand harsher punishment for juveniles, believing that such action would help curb the crime rates. In response, states have changed their juvenile laws to reflect harsher sentences for certain offenses. In Virginia, a new juvenile code was implemented in 1997 which imposed longer sentences for more serious offenses. The code also implemented a “blended sentencing” system that gave judges the discretion to impose harsher sentences if they believed the crime was of a serious nature. This allowed judges to take into account the age of the offender as well as the severity of the crime. The public’s view on juvenile crime also shifted as the issue of juvenile justice reform gained traction. Some now view juvenile offenders as being in need of rehabilitation, and many states have adopted programs designed to help those juveniles get back on the right track. With these reforms in place, it is hoped that the public’s opinion of juvenile crime will continue to shift away from harsher punishment and towards rehabilitation and second chances.

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How has public opinion on juvenile crime changed over time?

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