CJS 232 - Juvenile Law

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
Study historical and current social and legal policies governing the rights, protection and punitive measures of child offenders, family and other guardianship, and management in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The integration of law, service delivery and criminal justice management is emphasized.

Note: Typically offered OL; spring term.

Course Outcomes:

Apply laws and rules to real and replicated case law.
- Differentiate laws that govern the detainment and adjudication of delinquents
- Accurately apply laws to cases pertaining to the detainment and adjudication of delinquents.
Chart the historical evolution of significant laws and social policies governing child protection, privileges and penalties for violations of the law.
- Describe the purposes of the juvenile justice system and pertinent laws compared to the adult criminal justice system
- Illustrate discrepancies between the ideal and real juvenile justice networks
Identify critical laws and policies governing the service-deliveries of juveniles in correctional settings.
- Explain legal definitions, restrictions and practices for providing services to children in residential and community settings
- Distinguish between school programs, restorative justice programs, children and family services, federal programs and other divergent programs
Identify the critical state and local policies and procedures governing the management of juveniles in various correctional settings.
- Express the legal purpose and obligations of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services according to the COMAR
- Outline the various residential and community programs delivered by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services
- Contrast the legal practices of offender detainment between juvenile and adult correctional settings
Recognize specific laws restricting and extending the legal privileges of guardians.
- Apply fact, techniques, practices and rules to “real life” scenarios for desirable results
- Review and make inferences from legal documents and abstracts, studies and case laws
Survey the differences and similarities between state and international laws governing child protection, privileges and penalties.
- Examine global events, changes, influences and progress
- Compare and contrast events with national and local occurrences in juvenile law.
Analyze child court testimonies, rights and restrictions in the use of child witnesses.
- Evaluate, compare and contrast scientific/forensic data and information
- Outline the responsibilities and practices of defense counsel for children and youth
- Outline the responsibilities and relationships between the courts and law enforcement
Examine laws and policies governing various child protective services, i.e. social services, foster care adoption agencies.
- Analyze legal issues surrounding physical and sexual abuse of children
- Review intervention and protection responsibilities and obligations of the chourts and child services agencies