Crime Control Period
Crime Control Period (1980–2000s) The Crime Control Period represented a significant shift away from the rehabilitative nature of the juvenile justice system from the Juvenile Rights Period. During the 1980s, the political and social climate in the United States shifted away from rehabilitation to one of punitiveness. This period is often referred to as the “get-tough” or “penal harm” movement. Some observ- ers would suggest that this movement actually began to recycle long-forgotten policies of the early philosophy of justice for juveniles. History was beginning to repeat itself.
Typical policies included an increase in mandatory arrest and sentencing policies, removal of treatment programs in prison, and the use of punitive strategies such as boot camps and chain gangs. The get-tough policies led to an increase in the use of confinement for juveniles. These punitive policies were justified on the grounds of deterrence. As noted earlier, deter- rence rests on the notion that the system can prevent crime by increasing the certainty, sever- ity, and swiftness of punishment. Proponents claim that people make rational choices based on how much pleasure versus pain they will receive by committing a crime. Logically, then, if the expected pleasure can be offset by punishment, we should be able to deter future crime.
