Labeling Theory Of The Juvenile Justice System

When beginning the discussion of labeling theory, it is imperative to identify the precise definition of this broad theory. In the context of this paper, labeling theory will be viewed as a popular criminological theory that attempts to explain the criminal offending habits of juveniles by focusing on the language applied in a criminal justice system (Bessemer et al). Labeling theory asserts that interventions by the criminal justice system create a heightened level of continued offending behavior (Bessemer et al). If the ideas of labeling theory hold true, this creates a paradox in which punishment via the criminal justice system creates an increase in recidivism, instead of discouraging it. Most succinctly, the concept of labeling theory

When a juvenile offender interacts with the criminal justice system, the impacts that the applied language and interaction has on the offender have the ability to last a lifetime (Curtis et al). Due to this, it is important to explain both the goals and the limitations of the juvenile justice system which set it apart from the overall criminal justice system. The paramount goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation (Curtis et al). This goal should be uniquely identified alongside the previously established goal of community-wide crime reduction. The main limitation on the juvenile justice system is the large amount of discretion given to officers in the system (Curtis et al). It has been shown that officers of juvenile justice are not typically able to agree on what the consequences should be implemented in what is considered a typical case of delinquency (Curtis et al). The officers have also been found to be of differing opinion when questioned about the ideal outcomes in a typical case (Curtis et al). Both the specific goal and the limitations of the juvenile justice system must be kept in mind when considering the way that language affects a juvenile

The population of formerly incarcerated juvenile offenders is at high risk of being affected by the language of the system and of their peers (Arnold). The language and community of these youth can be labeled as the delinquent subculture. It has been shown that within this “delinquent subculture” instant gratification and peer praise are valued above overarching cultural norms like hard work and respect (Arnold). The prevalence of these values leads to a more casual view of crime and the labels associated with convictions and criminal actions (Arnold). This more casual view of the language surrounding crime leads to an increase in recidivism in these offenders (Arnold). Again, this highlights the way that labels and language used in our criminal justice system weaken the effectiveness of the