How Much Do You Know About Juvenile Crime?

1. True or False:
Before the year 1900, juveniles aged 14+ who committed crimes were charged in the same courts as adults, were put into adult prisons, and received the same sentences as adults (even execution).
_{(Source: buildingblocksforyouth.org)}

True

False

In 1899, the first juvenile court was established in Illinois because people wanted to rehabilitate (rehab) juveniles rather than punish them. Being put in the same prisons as adults only made things worse.

Explanation

In 1899, the first juvenile court was established in Illinois because people wanted to rehabilitate (rehab) juveniles rather than punish them. Being put in the same prisons as adults only made things worse.

2. Every _____ minutes a teen is arrested for a drug-related crime.
_{(Source: Crime Time by Safe Place)}

3

7

15

20

Every 7 minutes a teen is arrested for a drug-related crime. This statistic suggests that drug-related crimes among teenagers are occurring at a high frequency. It highlights the prevalence of drug use and the need for measures to address this issue effectively. The frequency of arrests also indicates the potential impact of drugs on the lives of teenagers and the importance of prevention and intervention efforts to reduce drug-related crimes and protect the well-being of young individuals.

Explanation

Every 7 minutes a teen is arrested for a drug-related crime. This statistic suggests that drug-related crimes among teenagers are occurring at a high frequency. It highlights the prevalence of drug use and the need for measures to address this issue effectively. The frequency of arrests also indicates the potential impact of drugs on the lives of teenagers and the importance of prevention and intervention efforts to reduce drug-related crimes and protect the well-being of young individuals.

3. During the school week, when are juveniles are most likely to commit violent crimes?
_{(Source: OJJDP)}

Before school

During school

Right after school

In the evening

Juveniles are most likely to commit violent crimes right after school. This is because they may have more free time and less supervision during this period. After a long day of being in school, they may have built-up frustrations or conflicts that can lead to violent behavior. Additionally, they may be influenced by peers or engage in risky activities during this time.

Explanation

Juveniles are most likely to commit violent crimes right after school. This is because they may have more free time and less supervision during this period. After a long day of being in school, they may have built-up frustrations or conflicts that can lead to violent behavior. Additionally, they may be influenced by peers or engage in risky activities during this time.

4. Most teens are arrested for ____________________.
_{(Source: ODDJP)}

Curfew violations

Drug use

Disorderly conduct/fighting

Theft/stealing

The correct answer is theft/stealing because it is the most common reason for teenagers to be arrested. This could be due to various factors such as peer pressure, financial struggles, or a lack of understanding about the consequences of their actions. It is important for parents and society to educate teenagers about the importance of respecting others' property and the legal implications of theft.

Explanation

The correct answer is theft/stealing because it is the most common reason for teenagers to be arrested. This could be due to various factors such as peer pressure, financial struggles, or a lack of understanding about the consequences of their actions. It is important for parents and society to educate teenagers about the importance of respecting others' property and the legal implications of theft.

5. Of the 2 million juveniles arrested in 2008, 1/4 (or 25%) of the juveniles arrested for violent crimes were age:
_{(Source: OJJDP, Juvenile Arrests)}

15 or younger

16

17

18

In 2008, out of the 2 million juveniles arrested, 25% of the juveniles arrested for violent crimes were 15 or younger. This means that a significant proportion of the juveniles involved in violent crimes were below the age of 16.

Explanation

In 2008, out of the 2 million juveniles arrested, 25% of the juveniles arrested for violent crimes were 15 or younger. This means that a significant proportion of the juveniles involved in violent crimes were below the age of 16.

6. Juveniles were responsible for ________% of all murders in the USA in 2006.
_{(Source: OJJDP)}

5

10

15

20

Juveniles were responsible for 10% of all murders in the USA in 2006. This means that out of all the murders committed in the country during that year, 10% were carried out by individuals who were under the age of 18. This statistic highlights the involvement of young people in serious crimes and the need for effective measures to address juvenile delinquency.

Explanation

Juveniles were responsible for 10% of all murders in the USA in 2006. This means that out of all the murders committed in the country during that year, 10% were carried out by individuals who were under the age of 18. This statistic highlights the involvement of young people in serious crimes and the need for effective measures to address juvenile delinquency.

7. Juveniles are involved in 1 in 4 (or 25% of) ___________.
_{(Source: onlinelawyersource.com)}

Murders

Weapons violations

Robberies

Drug use/abuse

Juveniles being involved in 1 in 4 robberies means that in 25% of robbery cases, the offenders are minors. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of robberies are committed by young individuals. It highlights the potential influence of societal factors, such as peer pressure or lack of guidance, on juvenile delinquency. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes and implementing preventive measures to reduce juvenile involvement in criminal activities.

Explanation

Juveniles being involved in 1 in 4 robberies means that in 25% of robbery cases, the offenders are minors. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of robberies are committed by young individuals. It highlights the potential influence of societal factors, such as peer pressure or lack of guidance, on juvenile delinquency. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes and implementing preventive measures to reduce juvenile involvement in criminal activities.

8. Every _____ minutes a teen is arrested for an alcohol-related crime.
_{(Source: Crime Time by Safe Place)}

4

8

10

20

Every 4 minutes a teen is arrested for an alcohol-related crime. This statistic highlights the alarming frequency at which young individuals are involved in criminal activities related to alcohol. The high rate of arrests emphasizes the need for effective measures to prevent underage drinking and educate teenagers about the potential consequences of their actions.

Explanation

Every 4 minutes a teen is arrested for an alcohol-related crime. This statistic highlights the alarming frequency at which young individuals are involved in criminal activities related to alcohol. The high rate of arrests emphasizes the need for effective measures to prevent underage drinking and educate teenagers about the potential consequences of their actions.

9. Between 1985 and 2005, most juveniles were on probation for this type of crime:
_{(Source: OJJDP, Probation)}

Drug use or sales

Assult against a person

School truancies

Damaging property

Between 1985 and 2005, the majority of juveniles were on probation for drug use or sales. This means that during this time period, a significant number of young individuals were involved in illegal drug activities, either using drugs themselves or engaging in the sale of drugs. This information is based on data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) regarding probation cases.

Explanation

Between 1985 and 2005, the majority of juveniles were on probation for drug use or sales. This means that during this time period, a significant number of young individuals were involved in illegal drug activities, either using drugs themselves or engaging in the sale of drugs. This information is based on data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) regarding probation cases.

10. If you are a juvenile who commits a crime in Illinois and are found guilty, you can be placed on court supervision for up to _____________________.
_{(Source: OJJDP)}

12 months (1 year)

24 months (2 years)

36 months (3 years)

48 months (4 years)

Juveniles in Illinois who commit a crime and are found guilty can be placed on court supervision for a maximum period of 24 months or 2 years. During this time, they are required to comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as attending counseling or community service, and avoiding further criminal behavior. This period allows the juvenile to be monitored and rehabilitated without being placed in a more restrictive setting, such as a detention center.

Explanation

Juveniles in Illinois who commit a crime and are found guilty can be placed on court supervision for a maximum period of 24 months or 2 years. During this time, they are required to comply with certain conditions set by the court, such as attending counseling or community service, and avoiding further criminal behavior. This period allows the juvenile to be monitored and rehabilitated without being placed in a more restrictive setting, such as a detention center.

11. In 2006, juvenile females committed more of these 3 crimes than juvenile males did:
_{(Source: OJJDP, Custody Data)}

CHOOSE 3 ANSWERS BELOW:

Drug use or sales

Simple assult (causes bodily injury to someone else)

Theft (stealing)

Parole, probation, or court violations

In 2006, juvenile females committed more simple assault, theft, and parole, probation, or court violations than juvenile males. This information is based on custody data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

Explanation

In 2006, juvenile females committed more simple assault, theft, and parole, probation, or court violations than juvenile males. This information is based on custody data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

Submit

12. What is the most common school crime?
_{(Source: OJJDP, School Crime Victimization 1992-2006)}

Drug use or sales

Property damage

Theft (stealing)

Truancies

The most common school crime is theft (stealing). This means that stealing or theft incidents occur more frequently in schools compared to other crimes such as drug use or sales, property damage, or truancies. The source, OJJDP, School Crime Victimization 1992-2006, likely provides data or research that supports this conclusion.

Explanation

The most common school crime is theft (stealing). This means that stealing or theft incidents occur more frequently in schools compared to other crimes such as drug use or sales, property damage, or truancies. The source, OJJDP, School Crime Victimization 1992-2006, likely provides data or research that supports this conclusion.

13. __________% of juveniles have never been arrested.
_{(Source: dcba.org)}

80

85

90

94

According to the source provided, 94% of juveniles have never been arrested. This means that a large majority of young individuals have not been involved in any criminal activities or encountered legal trouble. It indicates that the majority of juveniles are law-abiding citizens and have not engaged in activities that would lead to their arrest.

Explanation

According to the source provided, 94% of juveniles have never been arrested. This means that a large majority of young individuals have not been involved in any criminal activities or encountered legal trouble. It indicates that the majority of juveniles are law-abiding citizens and have not engaged in activities that would lead to their arrest.

14. In 1988, the US Supreme Court ruled that no person under the age of _____ may be executed for a crime.
_{(Source: onlinelawyersource.com)}

14

15

16

17

In 1988, the US Supreme Court ruled that no person under the age of 16 may be executed for a crime. This ruling established a minimum age for the death penalty, recognizing that individuals under the age of 16 are not fully mature and should not be held to the same level of culpability as adults. This decision reflects the evolving understanding of juvenile justice and the recognition of the need for more lenient treatment of young offenders.

Explanation

In 1988, the US Supreme Court ruled that no person under the age of 16 may be executed for a crime. This ruling established a minimum age for the death penalty, recognizing that individuals under the age of 16 are not fully mature and should not be held to the same level of culpability as adults. This decision reflects the evolving understanding of juvenile justice and the recognition of the need for more lenient treatment of young offenders.

15. About how many juveniles in the United States were arrested in 2008?
_{(Source: OJJDP, Juvenile Arrests)}

50,000

500,000

1,000,000 (1 million)

2,000,000 (2 million)

In 2008, approximately 2 million juveniles were arrested in the United States. This information is based on the data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

Explanation

In 2008, approximately 2 million juveniles were arrested in the United States. This information is based on the data from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).