Nicholas Bala, et. al. Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc. ISBN 1-55077-127-2.
 
Reviewed by Gregory Strong

Issues of youth crime and youth violence continue to be a political and public concern in many countries. Many different approaches are being proposed and applied to deal with youth crime and violence. Approaches range from “get tough” punitive responses to more lenient and rehabilitative responses.  

This book is designed to inform debates about juvenile justice systems in industrialized countries. It is the final product of a number of research activities over several years, made possible with funding from the Donner Canadian Foundation. The book is primarily organized by chapters, by different authors, that each deal with juvenile crime and justice in a particular country.  Countries covered in the book include: Canada; the United States; England and Wales; Scotland; Northern Ireland; Ireland; New Zealand; and Australia. In this way, the book presents detailed information on common themes, problems, strengths, and weaknesses of juvenile justice systems among those countries.

Chapter Summaries:

Introduction: An International Perspective on Youth Justice

Juvenile Crime and Justice in Canada

Juvenile Crime and Justice in the United States of America

Juvenile Crime and Justice in England and Wales

Juvenile Crime and Justice in Scotland

Juvenile Crime and Justice in Northern Ireland

Juvenile Crime and Justice in Ireland  

Juvenile Crime and Justice in New Zealand

Juvenile Crime and Justice in Australia

Conclusion: Trends in Juvenile Justice

 
December 2003