Get Tough Policies

Definition

Get tough policies refer to strict and punitive approaches aimed at addressing juvenile crime, emphasizing harsher penalties and a zero-tolerance attitude towards delinquency. These policies emerged as a response to rising concerns about youth crime in the late 20th century, aiming to deter potential offenders through severe consequences rather than rehabilitation or support. This approach often leads to increased incarceration rates for juveniles and prioritizes public safety over developmental considerations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Get tough policies gained momentum during the 1980s and 1990s due to rising juvenile crime rates and public demand for stricter measures.
2. These policies often lead to the transfer of juvenile offenders to adult court systems, subjecting them to harsher adult penalties.
3. Critics argue that get tough policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and fail to address the root causes of delinquency.
4. Research indicates that punitive approaches can increase recidivism rates among juveniles instead of rehabilitating them.
5. Many states have since begun to reevaluate get tough policies, recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and support services for youth offenders.

Review Questions

• How did get tough policies reflect societal attitudes towards juvenile crime during the late 20th century?
  • Get tough policies were a direct reflection of growing public fear and concern over rising juvenile crime rates during the late 20th century. As youth violence and delinquency became prominent issues, society demanded stronger responses from law enforcement and the justice system. This led to the implementation of punitive measures aimed at deterring juvenile offenders through severe consequences rather than focusing on rehabilitation or understanding the underlying factors contributing to their behavior.
• Discuss the implications of transferring juveniles to adult court systems as part of get tough policies.
  • Transferring juveniles to adult court systems under get tough policies has significant implications for young offenders. This practice subjects them to harsher legal penalties and reduces access to age-appropriate rehabilitative services designed for youth. Critics argue that such transfers disregard the developmental differences between adults and juveniles, potentially leading to higher rates of recidivism and further entrenching young individuals in the criminal justice system rather than facilitating their rehabilitation.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of get tough policies on juvenile offenders and society as a whole.
  • The long-term effects of get tough policies on juvenile offenders have proven to be problematic. While aimed at deterring crime, these policies have often resulted in increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of delinquency. Many juveniles subjected to harsh punishments face diminished opportunities for education and employment, contributing to a cycle of crime. Societally, this approach has fostered a punitive culture that prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation, ultimately undermining community safety and cohesion by failing to support young individuals in their development.

Related terms

Juvenile Delinquency: Engaging in illegal behavior by a minor, typically under the age of 18, which can result in various legal consequences.

Zero Tolerance Policies:

Strict enforcement strategies that impose predetermined punishments for specific offenses, regardless of context or circumstances.

Rehabilitation: A correctional philosophy focused on reforming offenders through education, therapy, and community support rather than solely punitive measures.