Juvenile Justice

Question #1. The U.S. Supreme Court considered the question of whether juveniles should be eligible for sentences of life without parole in Sullivan v. Florida and Graham v. Florida. What are psychological and ethical reasons for treating juveniles differently than adults when it comes to the death penalty or a sentence of life without parole? Do you agree that juveniles should not be eligible for the death penalty or life sentences? Explain why or why not.

Question #2. There has been a shift in how to handle those individuals who have committed crimes associated with identified issues. Some of these are drug court, homelessness court, and mental health court. Please describe what happens when one is diverted to a mental health court as well as whether you think this is appropriate and effective.

Biological Approach

If crime, violence, or deviance were proven to be caused by one or more of the biological or psychological theories discussed within this unit's reading on Trait Theories, what impact would this have on the criminal justice system? Include at least one theory or concept from the chapter on Trait Theories to support your response.