Ashley Nellis: A Return to Justice: Rethinking Our Approach to Juveniles in the System

Excerpt

A Return to Justice by Ashley Nellis is an informative narrative that educates the reader not only about the history of juvenile justice but also how politics, media representation, race relations and public opinion has shaped our juvenile correctional system into what it has become. Nellis begins in 1824 and distinguishes the varying eras of thought about juveniles and the law. She does this by incorporating the mentalities of the public, the effect of different methods and later, scientific research that exemplifies, yet facilitates the understanding of the difficulty and sensitivity that juveniles in the system require. By highlighting the impact of specific events, policies and landmark cases on juvenile crime, the book allows readers to critically analyze the way that juvenile offenders have been influenced by society. This book generates an all-encompassing view of juvenile justice systems and promotes an appreciation for the complexity and importance of effective juvenile community corrections. …