perceive delinquency? Unit 1 gives a historical account on delinquency as a subculture, often characteristic of urban, impoverished youth that have become oppressed and marginalized. This section is devoted to a sociological and anthropological exposition of how juvenile delinquency arose and what variables contribute to the development of a law violating counterculture. In particular, this chapter will explore infamous juvenile delinquents that have changed the way our legal systems handle violent juveniles. This thought provoking book explores our thoughts, beliefs and ideological constructs that compels us to struggle with the age old question of when exactly does a child become responsible for his/her actions? Moreover, is it humane to sentence a thirteen year old to a lifetime of imprisonment? The case vignette of Juan actively crystallizes how our society's perception of delinquency has changed over the last few decades.

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