Thesis
Deconstructing "sophistication-maturity": a survey of judges
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/D87T0V
Abstract
Although developmental research and the justice system both recognize that young offenders are fundamentally different from adult offenders, judges have little empirical guidance as to how characteristics of justice-involved youth such as maturity should be measured and factored into judicial decisions. This study investigated how juvenile court judges weigh factors that could influence the construct of maturity when making decisions regarding juveniles. Participating judges (N = 47) viewed one of eight vignettes about a hypothetical juvenile, which varied in regard to psychosocial maturity, physical maturity, and severity of offense. Participants then indicated whether they would transfer the juvenile to adult criminal court, and rated the degree to which the juvenile needed punishment and rehabilitation. Results showed that offense severity significantly influenced judges' transfer decisions, while information about the juvenile's psychosocial maturity and physical appearance did not. The potential implications of these findings in the context of the juvenile justice system are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Deconstructing "sophistication-maturity"
- Creators
- Rebecca Lynn Schiedel - DU
- Contributors
- Kirk Heilbrun (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- v, 38 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8133; 991014632224504721