Attitudes of Citizens in a Southern Rural County toward Juvenile Crime and Justice Issues

Abstract

This study reports the results of a telephone survey of 387 residents in a southern rural county concerning juvenile crime and justice issues. The study concluded that there are several communities among county residents, not just two based on race. County residents surveyed are willing to support the rehabilitation of juveniles, but there is strong support for punishment. Gangs are considered a very serious problem by a major portion of the county residents. County residents are divided on the purpose of criminal penalties for juveniles and whether to waive juveniles to adult courts.